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“Should” Mock Fans Only Mock

Only 1 round today in my 2010 NFL Mock Draft. Tomorrow is the actual NFL Draft, the first round only, so I decided to go more in depth on round 1 rather than doing 7 rounds. Before Friday, I’ll have rounds 2-3 and then 4-7 before Saturday.

This mock is what I think will happen. To see what I think should happen, check out my alternate “Should” Mock Draft.

Be sure to check out The Football Fan Spot this Thursday during the draft for our official NFL Draft Live Blog

Updated 4/22/10

 

1. St. Louis Rams 1-15

I have said it all along that this pick would and should be a quarterback, but I think I had the wrong quarterback. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford showed up to the combine needing to prove his shoulder strength after two separations and a surgery last season. His shoulder not only passed with flying colors, but he put on 15-20 pounds of muscle, a major sign of his strong wrong ethic. Two major concerns of his were arm strength and shoulder health and he put both of those concerns to rest at the Combine.

I still say Clausen is the better quarterback, but, at The Combine, a former NFL GM anonymously  polled about 12, maybe more, current NFL GMs, about who they preferred, Clausen or Bradford, and every one of them said Bradford. Even if the Rams’ GM was not asked, which I find unlikely, it is still a very good sign for Bradford that he has this many supporters around the league. His strong Pro Day only makes it more likely that he goes #1.

Many will argue Ndamukong Suh here, but, as dominant of a prospect he is, he doesn’t have the positional value here. History has shown, if a team needs a left tackle or quarterback early in the draft, they will take that above all else, even the consensus top prospect. Remember Glenn Dorsey? How about Aaron Curry? Here’s some facts. Since 1998, 36 players have gone in the top three overall. 15 have been quarterbacks, 6 have been offensive tackles, and 6 have been defensive ends. That’s only 25% that aren’t quarterbacks, offensive tackles, or defensive ends. When you look closer, all 12 #1 overall picks since 1998 have been quarterback, offensive tackles, or defensive end. Those positions just have so much more positional value than any other. For more facts on the top 3 picks, click here.

The Rams don’t need an offensive tackle or defensive end, so it’ll be quarterback here. Recently, other mock drafters have been shifting heavily towards Bradford. For more information check out our NFL Mock Draft Database.

Other possibilities:

QB Jimmy Clausen- They have brought him in for a workout, though no one thought much of it because Bradford is regarded as the best quarterback in the draft. However, we don’t know for sure they’ll take him and they may be scared off by the fact that he won’t sign before draft day. Regardless of what Todd McShay says, Clausen is good. In fact, McShay is an idiot who should be fired.

2. Detroit Lions 2-14

The Lions draft strictly from the draft board, going best available with every pick. That is why I have been alternating between Eric Berry and Ndamukong Suh here in recent weeks (Berry more over the past few weeks because defensive tackle is no longer a huge need). However, after Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung went to Detroit for a workout and the results were extremely positive, he will probably be atop their draft board, despite all the praise they have given Jeff Backus.

Besides, this is not the same old panel of drafters in Detroit where they are completely opposed to drafting guys with high positional value. After all, they did take a quarterback #1 last year before so called “safer prospects” like Aaron Curry and Jason Smith. Okung will allow Backus to move to left guard and, if the Lions can shore up their pass defense in the later rounds, they could be a huge sleeper next year, even in the stacked NFC North.

Even after trading for Rob Sims, I still say this pick will be Russell Okung. They also have traded for Corey Williams this offseason and I’d rather have a patchwork defensive line than a patch work offensive line when I’m trying to protect a 73 million dollar 2^nd year investment at quarterback. They may still pick Suh, but unless I hear otherwise, I trust the Lions will make the right pick. For more on how the Rob Sims deal effects this pick, click here.

Other possibilities:

DT Ndamukong Suh- The Lions like to take best available and may take Suh even though he fills less of a need or positional value.

DT Gerald McCoy- As is the case with Suh, they may decide that McCoy is the best available and take him.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

I’ve had the Buccaneers trading down to 6, with Seattle who moves up to get Jimmy Clausen, in recent weeks, but after the Charlie Whitehurst trade, the Seahawks no longer have the quarterback need nor the picks to get the job done. The Buccaneers may sadly, still trade down in hopes of getting still getting Gerald McCoy, but that would be a huge risk that could give their fans a synchronized heart attack. I would not be totally surprised if they moved down to 7, with Cleveland moving up to get Clausen, but I am not going to mock that here. The Buccaneers will just go with the overall top prospect at a huge position of need, defensive tackle, taking Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh in hopes of fixing their 32^nd ranked run defense.

Other possibilities:

DT Gerald McCoy- Sources say they’ll take Suh over McCoy if given the choice, but sources aren’t 100% always. McCoy would be a better fit, though is a lower rated prospect.

DE Jason Pierre Paul- They may go for the homerun at a key position and take JPP and his massive upside.

4. Washington Redskins 4-12

What happens at this pick will say a lot about the Donovan McNabb trade. Did Daniel Snyder pick in McNabb to sell tickets now or to win now? If he did the former, expect this pick to be either Eric Berry or Gerald McCoy, even though they don’t have great positional value or address major needs, because they are bigger names. If it’s about winning now, you can bet Snyder will take an offensive lineman here to get Donovan McNabb some protection. He wouldn’t win much behind an offensive line that surrendered 43 sacks last year. I will lean towards the latter for now, assuming that the idea with trading for McNabb is to try to make the playoffs and compete for a Championship in the three or so good years McNabb has left in the tank. Oklahoma OT Trent Williams gives them the best opportunity to do that. If they pass on a tackle here, they’ll have to wait until the 4th to take one and that’s not a smart idea.

Other possibilities:

3-4 DE Gerald McCoy- The defensive line isn’t a huge need, but they like big names and doing stupid things. McCoy is also the best available. This becomes more likely if the Redskins move Albert Haynesworth.

S Eric Berry- Same case with McCoy, only Berry may be higher on their board.

OT Bryan Bulaga- Williams is a better fit for their blocking scheme, but Bulaga could be higher on their board.

5. Kansas City Chiefs 4-12

Brandan Albert was one of the worst starting left tackles in the league this year and he’s movable, either by trade or more likely to a different position, for many reasons. He doesn’t have a large contract or any flagship merchant services tying up sponsorships. The regime that drafted him is no longer in town. He has versatility position wise and can also play right tackle or left guard in addition to left tackle. There’s a very good chance that Albert isn’t their left tackle next year.

Scott Pioli comes from the Bill Belicheck school of positional value, as shown by his passing up on Aaron Curry, the superior prospect, for Tyson Jackson, who played a more valuable position, last year with the 3^rd pick. He has his “franchise quarterback.” Now he needs to protect him and Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available left tackle with Anthony Davis’ stock slipping after the combine.

Other possibilities:

S Eric Berry- Scott Pioli loves positional value, but he may not be able to resist Berry.

3-4 DE Gerald McCoy- McCoy is both a top prospect and also would fill their positional value qualifications. However, taking McCoy would probably mean moving Dorsey, but they’ve done weirder things before.

6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

The Seahawks have quite a tough choice here between Gerald McCoy and Eric Berry. It is very tough for me to mock this pick because I don’t know what kind of drafters their new regime will be, so I’ll just go with what I would do and take the prospect with the higher positional value. That would be Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy who would breathe new life into their run defense as well as their pass rush.

Other possibilities:

S Eric Berry- Berry and McCoy are going to be 1-2 on their draft board, but I’m not sure in which order.

QB Jimmy Clausen- They spent a ton of money on Charlie Whitehurst, but they may find it hard to pass on Clausen, who would fit the scheme perfectly.

7. Cleveland Browns 5-11

The Browns would love to be able to move up for a quarterback and I won’t completely rule that out. Detroit might want to move down here to take either Eric Berry or Trent Williams and get multiple 2^nd and 3^rd round picks out of it, but I would bet against it because teams rarely trade up into the top 3. The Browns will have to just wait until the later rounds to take a quarterback and go with by far the best overall player, Tennessee S Eric Berry.

Other possibilities:

QB Jimmy Clausen- Mike Holmgren has said he wishes he liked Clausen more. Who knows what that means or if he’s telling the truth.

RLB Jason Pierre Paul- He’s a risk, but is seen as a guy who could be the best player from this draft class in 5 years. They need playmakers on defensive so they might not be able to resist.

WR Dez Bryant- If they pass on Clausen, they’ll likely target Colt McCoy in the 2^nd. Bryant would be a reach, but Holmgren may feel it necessary to surround McCoy with as many options as he can in order for him to succeed.

8. Oakland Raiders 5-11

Maryland OT Bruce Campbell ran a 4.85 at 6-6 314 at the Combine. He also benched 34 reps of 225 pounds and had 36 ¼ inch arms. This makes him the greatest offensive lineman of all time in Al Davis’ mind, even greater than Robert Gallery. If Davis thought he was getting a good deal with Gallery at 2 in 2004 (over guys like Larry Fitzgerald, Phillip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger), then imagine how thrilled he’ll be when he sees Campbell still available at 8.

Other possibilities:

S Taylor Mays- He doesn’t fill a need, but Al Davis may find it hard to pass on his 6-3 230 4.31 measurables

DE Jason Pierre Paul- He doesn’t fill a need, but Al Davis may find it hard to pass on his 6-5 270 4.64 measurables.

9. Buffalo Bills 6-10

New regimes mean new quarterbacks unless there’s already an established guy in place, which there is not in Buffalo. The Bills reportedly are very interested in Tim Tebow, but that doesn’t mean they’ll pass up a pro ready safer pick like Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen in the first to take Tebow in the 2^nd. It could, but not necessarily. Clausen is the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win right away and longterm and hopefully they realize that.

Other possibilities:

NT Dan Williams- They may feel it necessary to take a nose tackle before they’re all gone and if they are targeting Tebow in the 2^nd, they may pass on Clausen for Williams.

OT Anthony Davis- They have made it clear they want a left tackle, but Davis is a bit of a reach.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-9

The Jaguars will try to trade down here in an attempt to get a 2^nd rounder and draft Tim Tebow, but with the Steelers resigning Larry Foote, I can’t see anyone wanting to move up that badly. Instead, the Jaguars will probably try to trade up into the 2^nd and go defense here. After Aaron Kampman trade they aren’t tied to the defensive end position here. Florida CB Joe Haden would kill two birds with one stone. He would fill their need at cornerback and be a huge upside guy in their zone scheme and he would also help sell tickets being local from the University of Florida.

Other possibilities:

DE Derrick Morgan- Morgan could be best available in their eyes and that may convince them to take him over the local kid.

WR Dez Bryant- Bryant would give this offense the wow factor that could attract fans.

DE Jason Pierre Paul- JPP is the upside guy and they may find him hard to pass on.

QB Tim Tebow- If they feel they can’t trade back into the 2^nd, or that someone will take him in the late 1^st, they might take Tebow here.

11. Denver Broncos 8-8 (via CHI)

After they traded Marshall to the Dolphins, this pick became a wide receiver in many mocks. I will agree that a wide receiver is most likely here, but I am not too quick to say for sure that it’ll be Dez Bryant. Remember, Brandon Marshall was traded because he’s a diva receiver and Dez Bryant has a reputation as a diva. Arrelious Benn makes some sense on some levels because he has good size, good upside, and lacks the diva tag than Dez has, but I will put Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant here for now, because the Broncos have scheduled a private workout with him and not Benn.

Other possibilities:

WR Arrelious Benn- If McDaniels is scared off by Bryant’s “character” issues, they could take Benn to fill their receiver need.

MLB Rolando McClain- Sadly, McDaniels may see Kyle Orton as the type of quarterback who doesn’t need good receivers and go defense.

NT Dan Williams- Also fills a defensive need if McDaniels doesn’t think taking an elite receiver is important.

12. Miami Dolphins 7-9

Rush linebacker and nose tackle are their two biggest needs going into the draft, but, while there are more rush linebackers prospects in this range available, Brandon Graham, Jason Pierre Paul, Derrick Morgan, than nose tackles, Dan Williams, there are also more rush linebacker prospects available when they pick in the 3rd, whereas most of the elite nose tackle prospects, if not all, will be off the board. I will assume Bill Parcells sees that and takes Tennessee NT Dan Williams.

Other possibilities:

RLB Jason Pierre Paul- They could get a rush linebacker in the 3^rd, but Bill Parcells may see JPP as a can’t miss guy.

RLB Derrick Morgan- Less likely, but Parcells may not want to pass on the most proven pass rusher in the draft after Joey Porter and Jason Taylor left town.

13. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

With Joe Haden off the board, the Niners aren’t going to go with a cornerback in the first round, unless they fall in love with Kyle Wilson, because this is a team that doesn’t reach. The Niners will certainly be thinking about both of their picks when they draft here. They won’t draft a guy at 13 that they feel will still be there at 17. Anthony Davis makes a lot of sense for them, give that they need a mauling right tackle with the upside to play left. Mike Singletary is a tough disciplinarian and will feel can bring the most out of Davis. He will almost certainly be one of the two picks if Trent Williams is off the board.

As for their other pick, there are 4 options, given cornerback is out of the question. They can go best available with CJ Spiller, though he doesn’t fill a huge need. They can go with a safety, either Taylor Mays or Earl Thomas. Or they can go with the consensus best offensive lineman available, Mike Iupati and make him their guard of the future. If it is going to be a safety, it’ll be Mays. They love Mays and I think they have him rated higher than Thomas. Spiller is interesting, but I think they’ll feel they can get a similar player in the 2^nd round with Dexter McCluster. That leaves Mays and Iupati and I think Mays allows this team to do more of what they want, stop the run.

So, their two picks will be Anthony Davis and Taylor Mays, but in what order? Seattle could take Mays at 14, especially after cutting Deon Grant, but I can’t see them taking Anthony Davis as he is nowhere near the type of player that fits their scheme. New York won’t take him and neither will Tennessee at 16, so this pick will be USC S Taylor Mays and Davis will go at 17.

Other possibilities:

OT Anthony Davis- They may fear Seattle taking him and pull the trigger on him here.

RB CJ Spiller- If they rate him as BPA, they could pull the trigger, even in the wake of the Ted Ginn deal.

S Earl Thomas- Sources tell me the Niners like Mays more than Thomas, but sources are occasionally wrong and Thomas makes sense.

14. Seattle Seahawks 5-11 (via DEN)

Patrick Kerney retired this week. He was their leader in sacks last year, so this already weak pass rush will get weaker without him. An offensive tackle makes sense here, but the Seahawks have an offensive line coach by the name of Alex Gibbs who has done good work with mid round offensive linemen so they are not tied to the position. Even if Lawrence Jackson pans out, they’ll need a defensive end opposite him and Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan makes the most sense here.

Other possibilities:

OT Charles Brown- Alex Gibbs feels he can wait to take a left tackle if necessary, but he may love Brown’s footwork. Brown has experience with coach Pete Carroll as well.

RB CJ Spiller- If they view him as BPA, they may take him even though Morgan fills more of a need and has more positional value.

15. New York Giants 8-8

The Giants reportedly are willing to move up to 10 to get Clemson RB CJ Spiller so they would be thrilled to be able to land him here at 15 without trading up. I don’t agree with the pick as I think he is too similar to Ahmad Bradshaw to be much help to them, but this is what I they will do, not should do.

Other possibilities:

MLB Sean Weatherspoon- Maybe their interest in Spiller is a smokescreen. In that case, Weatherspoon makes the most sense.

DE Jason Pierre Paul- They love pass rushers and may not be able to resist JPP.

16. Tennessee Titans 8-8

South Florida DE Jason Pierre Paul is the workout wonder of a defensive player the Titans will love. The Titans have a great defensive coaching squad and love to take high upside defensive players and bring their potential out, and it’s worked alright in the past. JPP fills their immediate and obvious need at defensive end.

Other possibilities:

CB Kyle Wilson- Cornerback is also a need and Wilson is the consensus top CB available

DE Carlos Dunlap- Dunlap also has nice measurables and plays defensive end

CB Devin McCourty- He’s not the consensus top CB, but he could be their top CB available because of his stronger measurables

 

17. San Francisco 49ers 8-8 (via CAR)

I pretty much already debated this pick at 13, but this pick will be either Anthony Davis or Mike Iupati and since Davis has more physical upside and plays a more needed and valuable position, this pick will be Rutgers OT Anthony Davis. He has character issues, but the Niners aren’t scared off by that. They’ll try to coach him up.

Other possibilities:

G Mike Iupati- Iupati doesn’t have Davis’ positional value, but he could be a higher rated offensive lineman and viewed as a can’t miss type of player

MLB Rolando McClain- Doesn’t fill a huge need, but Mike Singletary may love McClain’s upside as a former middle linebacker

RB Jahvid Best- Same idea as Spiller, add a burner to their offense, so the Niners may not be able to resist the local kid

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

The Steelers already have an amazing defense, but no reason why they couldn’t add a defensive stud like Alabama MLB Rolando McClain to the mix. James Farrior just turned 35 years old and doesn’t have many good year left in him at the middle linebacker positions. The Steelers and the Ravens have both had good defenses this decade, but the Steelers have lacked one thing the Ravens have, Ray Lewis. I’m not guaranteeing McClain will be the next Ray Lewis, but the premature comparisons are there and they certainly aren’t unreasonable. Even with veteran Larry Foote signed in the offseason, this still makes sense. The Steelers are known to take best available early in the draft, especially defensively.

Other possibilities:

S Earl Thomas- Fills more of a need, while still upgrading their defensive, but probably not their BPA

CB Kyle Wilson- Same as above only a different position with more positional value

G Mike Iupati- They don’t normally go for the offensive line early, but they need help there definitely and Iupati is the mauler type of offensive lineman they love

19. Atlanta Falcons 9-7

I’ve had Spiller here in recent weeks, but I think it’s against their philosophy to draft a luxury player when they still have holes at important positions such as defensive end. Mike Smith has only had 3 first round picks in his time in Atlanta, but he spent 2 of those on either a quarterback or a left tackle. With a hole at the important defensive end position, I think that will be the focus this year in the first if a player Mike Smith likes is available. Smith likes players with good work ethics and strong motors and Michigan DE Brandon Graham fits that hold. After 2.5 sacks in 3 years, it’s safe for the Falcons to write Jamaal Anderson, a former 8^th overall pick, off as a bust.

Other possibilities:

OLB Sean Weatherspoon- Doesn’t give them positional value like they like, but he is probably higher rated on their board and fills a need

DE Everson Griffen- More upside than Graham, but has a repuation for being a bit lazy and Mike Smith doesn’t like that.

20. Houston Texans 9-7

The Texans are one of the good young teams in the league, but they still don’t have that ball hawking defensive back. Luckily for them, this is a very deep safety class so they can take one here, such as Texas S Earl Thomas. Safety is by far the biggest need that Houston has and Thomas is the best safety available. Thomas has the hands and speed that none of Houston’s defensive backs right now really have right now. He also is from in state at the University of Texas.

Other possibilities:

CB Kyle Wilson- Also helps the secondary, but he’s a lesser rated prospect most likely, though he has more positional value

RB Jahvid Best- They’ve made it clear they want to add another running back to the mix and Best would be the best available at that position

RB Ryan Matthews- Matthews may be higher rated on their board because he can serve as an everydown back

21. Cincinnati Bengals 10-7

The Bengals proved by signing Matt Jones that they are not done taking chances on guys with character problems, even though the team played well last year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, Cedric Benson looked like the MVP of the league before he got hurt and Larry Johnson helped the Bengals late last year when Benson was hurt and 2009 2^nd round pick Rey Maualuga who dropped for character reasons was in the running for defensive player of the year this season.

Florida DE Carlos Dunlap has an awful work ethic and recently was arrested for drunk driving, but those things are like turn ons to whoever if drafting for the Bengals. Antawn Odom is talented when healthy, but he rarely is so, assuming Michael Johnson doesn’t pan out, the Bengals still need a right end of the future and Dunlap, who has athleticism, 6-6 280 4.6, could be that guy if he straightens himself out. The signings of Matt Jones and Antonio Bryant make their need for a wide receiver lesser so I doubt they reach for one here.

Other possibilities:

TE Jermaine Gresham- They don’t like to take tight ends early, but Gresham is the type of player they may make an exception for

DT Jared Odrick- Charcter issues in past, check. Doesn’t fill a huge need or have Dunlap’s upside, but he may be higher rated on their board.

RB Jahvid Best- Sleeper idea, take a burner to open up their offense and spell Cedric Benson, who was way overworked last year

22. New England Patriots 10-7

The Patriots have 5 main needs and 4 picks in the first 2 rounds. Those needs are running back, wide receiver, tight end, 3-4 defensive end, and rush linebacker. Jermaine Gresham would probably be the best available player here and would fill their need at tight end, but this class has more depth at tight end than any of those other positions, plus tight end does not have that much positional value and the Patriots’ like positional value. I think they’ll pass on Gresham here, unless they are absolutely infatuated with him, and take Penn State 3-4 DE Jared Odrick who would probably be higher rated on their board. I have heard reports that several teams actually have top-20 pick grades on Odrick and 3-4 teams from the bottom of the first may move up into the top 20 to get him. I think he’ll be high on the Patriots board and they’ll be happy that they can still get him.

Other possibilities:

TE Jermaine Gresham- There is more depth at tight end than 3-4 defensive end in this class, but Gresham may be higher rated on their board

WR Arrelious Benn- Even with the signing of Torry Holt, they may want to add a future starting receiver type guy and Benn’s upside could intrigue them

RLB Sergio Kindle- Fills more of a need and has huge upside, but BB doesn’t like to draft rush linebackers early

23. Green Bay Packers 10-7

The Packers did a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

Other possibilities:

CB Kyle Wilson- Left tackle is their biggest need, but Wilson may be higher on their board. Al Harris and Charles Woodson is both well on the wrong side of 30.

G Mike Iupati- He doesn’t fit their blocking scheme perfectly, but he could be BPA and upgrade their offensive line at the same time.

RLB Sergio Kindle- Because of his upside, they may view him as BPA and take him to compete with Brad Jones

24. Philadelphia Eagles 11-6

I don’t think this pick will take very long to take. The Eagles traded away Sheldon Brown with the intention of using this pick on a replacement, namely Boise State CB Kyle Wilson who, they are fortunate enough, is still available here. This is a strong cornerback class, but I think they’ll go with more of a proven commodity at the position over some of the raw 2^nd and 3^rd rounders.

Other possibilities:

OLB Sean Weatherspoon- They may see the depth of this cornerback class and wait a few of their picks to take a cornerback. In that class, Weatherspoon makes the most sense because he is BPA and fills their need on the strongside across from Ernie Sims.

CB Devin McCourty- McCourty may be higher on their board as a corner

DE Everson Griffen- Andy Reid loves to draft in the trenches and, with so many picks, may take a d-line project to develop early. Griffen’s upside may intrigue him.

25. Baltimore Ravens 10-8

The Ravens don’t have a ton of needs after signing Donte Stallworth, trading for Anquan Boldin, and resigning Derrick Mason. However, if they have the chance to take an elite over the middle target like Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham, they won’t be able to resist. They are huge fans of drafting best player available and that’s exactly what Gresham is at this point in the draft.

Other possibilities:

MLB Sean Weatherspoon- Weatherspoon is probably BPA on their board and fills a future need at 3-4 middle linebacker, even though he doesn’t fit the scheme perfectly

NT Terrence Cody- They may want to move Kelly Gregg to the outside, which would force them to take a nose tackle at some point. Cody could be that guy.

CB Devin McCourty- Cornerback is also a need and McCourty’s upside could be intriguing.

26.  Arizona Cardinals 11-7

Karlos Dansby left as a free agent to sign in Miami so add middle linebacker to their list of offseason needs, which is surprisingly long for a playoff team like Arizona. They’ll probably just take best available at a position of need and Missouri MLB Sean Weatherspoon is that. He fits what they do really well because he can play both a 3-4 and a 4-3 and the Cardinals run a hybrid 3-4/4-3 scheme.

Other possibilities:

RLB Jerry Hughes- Rush linebacker has more positional value and is more of a need, though Weatherspoon is the clear BPA

RLB Sergio Kindle- Hughes is more of a safer pick at rush linebacker, but Kindle has the upside which could be intriguing for the Cardinals who have their pass rush set for the next 1-2 years

NT Terrence Cody- They are a nose tackle away from being able to move full time to a 3-4

27. Dallas Cowboys 12-6

I don’t think the Cowboys, needing upgrades all across their offensive line will pass on Idaho G Mike Iupati. All of their starting offensive lineman are over 30 and their lack of depth was very evident in their playoff loss to the Vikings. Iupati has the size that the Cowboys love in an offensive lineman. The faces of the once asleep Dallas Cowboys’ scouts perked up majorly at the Senior Bowl when Iupati’s name was announced at the weigh in. He makes too much sense here.

Other possibilities:

NT Terrence Cody- Ratliff needs to move to the outside and if they feel that is true, they could take Cody here.

S Nate Allen- Rumors say the Cowboys love Allen and could take him in the first even with the strength of this class at safety

OT Roger Saffold- Saffold has the most positional value and would make their offense the most Romo friendly, but he doesn’t have the size they like at tackle and would be a bit of a reach anyway

28. San Diego Chargers 13-4

I’ve had Ryan Matthews here in recent weeks, but after the Charlie Whitehurst trade, in which they were able to move up to the 40^th pick from the 60^th, that looks less likely. They can still get Ryan Matthews at 40, or at least there’s a good chance they can, but Alabama NT Terrence Cody won’t be available there and they need him after releasing Jamal Williams. Even if Matthews is gone, they can take a guy like Ben Tate or Montario Hardesty in the 3^rd and still get a fairly decent running back.

Other possibilities:

RB Ryan Matthews- If they feel they can’t take Matthews at 40, they may take him here

NT Linval Joseph- They’ve done weirder things before. Joseph could be their highest rated NT

29. New York Jets 11-8

After trading for Santonio Holmes, the Jets really only are an elite pass rusher away from being a Super Bowl winning team, assuming Mark Sanchez continues his development. The Jets will probably be targeting a guy like RLB TCU Jerry Hughes here at 29, because I think they are tired of waiting order for Vernon Gholston to pan out.

Other possibilities:

RLB Sergio Kindle- Kindle is the upside pick at rush linebacker

3-4 DE Brian Price- Price may be BPA and fills a need, even though he wouldn’t quite fit the scheme

30. Minnesota Vikings 13-5

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but I doubt the Vikings would reach a quarterback in this situation, especially since all of the quarterbacks available here could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in UCLA DT Brian Price, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Price is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely. He should be able to capitalize on his 7 sacks this season and get drafted in the first round as the 3^rd defensive tackle off the board.

Other possibilities:

QB Tim Tebow- If they view Tebow as a guy that can be a starting quarterback in 2011, they may have to pull the trigger

G Maurkice Pouncey- Their running game could be even better with a strong upgrade inside and Pouncey can play all 3 interior positions

CB Devin McCourty- They may feel they’ll take another cornerback to keep up with the Saints

31. Indianapolis Colts 16-3

The Colts always seem to ignore defensive needs for offensive needs in the first round and this year probably won’t be an exception. Florida G Maurkice Pouncey is really gaining a lot of hype around the mock draft community, going as high as 18 to Pittsburgh at some places. Nonetheless, I would not be surprised if he went here. He could start at guard from them sometime next year and eventually be Jeff Saturday’s replacement at center. I don’t love him as much as most places do, but then again, the Colts will be making this pick and not me.

Other possibilities:

OT Roger Saffold- Saffold helps their offensive line and has more positional value, but may be more of a reach

DE Everson Griffen- He could be BPA and would fill what would probably be a need next offseason

32. New Orleans Saints 16-3

The Saints just cut Charles Grant, his large contract, and his larger gut. While it was the right move, it leaves them very thin on the left side of their defensive line opposite Will Smith, at end, and Sedrick Ellis, at tackle. I would be very surprised if two of their first 3 picks were focused on getting an upgrade at left defensive tackle and left defensive end. Here they take left defensive end because of who’s left on the board and go with USC DE Everson Griffen. Griffen has major upside, but also major downside, but the Saints can afford to take a risk after winning the Super Bowl and defensive genius coordinator Gary Williams will probably think he can bring the most out of him (and he’d probably be right).

Other possibilities:

OLB Sergio Kindle- An interesting weapon for their defense, he could be used like Brian Orakpo was in Washington last year

S Nate Allen- There are reportedly about a handful of teams that have given him a first round grade and if the Saints are one of those, they may take him to replace Darren Sharper.

 

Now check out what I think should happen

Or check out other mock drafts

Or make your own

Or read more of my thought on The NFL Draft

Or check out my NBA Mock Draft

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This mock is what I think will happen. To see what I think should happen, check out my alternate “Should” Mock Draft. 

Be sure to check out The Football Fan Spot Thursday, Friday, and possibly Saturday during the draft for our official NFL Draft Live Blog

2nd 

St. Louis Rams- DE Everson Griffen (USC)

Minnesota Vikings- QB Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois)

Kansas City Chiefs- NT Terrence Cody (Alabama)

Philadelphia Eagles- S Taylor Mays (USC)

Cleveland Browns- QB Colt McCoy (Texas)

Oakland Raiders- OT Bruce Campbell (Maryland)

Miami Dolphins- RLB Sergio Kindle (Texas)

Buffalo Bills- OT Charles Brown (USC)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- S Nate Allen (South Florida)

Baltimore Ravens- DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida)

New England Patriots- 3-4 DE Alex Carrington (Arkansas State)

Denver Broncos- NT Linval Joseph (East Carolina)

New York Giants- DT Brian Price (UCLA)

New England Patriots- WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

Carolina Panthers- WR Damian Williams (USC)

San Francisco 49ers- CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest)

Kansas City Chiefs- TE Aaron Hernandez  (Florida)

Houston Texans- DT LaMarr Houston (Texas)

Pittsburgh Steelers- WR Brandon LaFell (LSU)

New England Patriots- RLB Jason Worilds (Virginia Tech)

Cincinnati Bengals- S Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech)

Philadelphia Eagles- CB Chris Cook (Virginia)

Green Bay Packers- RB Dexter McCluster (Mississippi)

Baltimore Ravens- TE Rob Gronkowski (Arizona)

Arizona Cardinals- OT Roger Saffold (Indiana)

Dallas Cowboys- OT Jason Veldheer (Hillsdale)

Seattle Seahawks- RB Joe McKnight (USC)

New York Jets- 3-4 DE Corey Wootton (Northwestern)

Minnesota Vikings- DT Geno Atkins (Georgia)

Indianapolis Colts- OLB Daryl Washington (TCU)

New Orleans Saints- OLB Navarro Bowman (Penn State)

 

3rd  

St. Louis Rams- WR Marshawn Gilyard (Cincinnati)

Detroit Lions- CB Amari Spievey (Iowa)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Jermaine Gresham (Florida)

Kansas City Chiefs- OT Jason Fox (Miami)

Oakland Raiders- DT Jeff Owens (Georgia)

Baltimore Ravens- CB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State)

Cleveland Browns- S Chad Jones (LSU)

Buffalo Bills- QB John Skelton (Fordham)

Miami Dolphins- NT Cam Thomas (North Carolina)

Jacksonville Jaguars- CB Domonique Franks (Oklahoma)

Chicago Bears- CB Myron Lewis (Vanderbilt)

New York Giants- RB Montario Hardesty (Tennessee)

Tennessee Titans- CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (IUPUI)

Carolina Panthers- DT Mike Neal (Purdue)

San Francisco 49ers- MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Denver Broncos- RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech)

Houston Texans- S Major Wright (Florida)

Pittsburgh Steelers- 3 -4 DE Arthur Jones (Syracuse)

Atlanta Falcons- WR Andre Roberts (Citadel)

Cincinnati Bengals- CB Javier Arenas (Alabama)

Cleveland Browns-  G Vlad Ducasse (Massachusetts)

Green Bay Packers- RLB Ricky Sapp (Clemson)

Denver Broncos- MLB Pat Angerer (Iowa)

Arizona Cardinals- TE Jimmy Graham (Miami)

Arizona Cardinals- MLB Jamar Chaney (Mississippi State)

New England Patriots- RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford)

San Diego Chargers- NT Torrell Troup (Central Florida)

Cleveland Browns- WR Eric Decker (Minnesota)

Minnesota Vikings- G John Jerry (Mississippi)

Indianapolis Colts- OT Tony Washington (TCU)

New Orleans Saints- RB Ben Tate (Auburn)

Cincinnati Bengals- WR Jacoby Ford (Clemson)

Tennessee Titans- OLB AJ Edds (Iowa)

Atlanta Falcons- DE CJ Wilson (East Carolina)

 

 

 

 

I am not an NFL GM, obviously, but I thought it would be interesting to post here exactly what strategy I use to fill out my “Should” Mock.

If a quarterback is needed in the first round, and there is one who I have given a first round grade to available, I take him. Good quarterbacks win games. 20 of the last 21 Super Bowls were won by teams starting former Pro Bowl quarterbacks. The one that wasn’t was in 2008, by the New York Giants, who had Eli Manning at quarterback. Manning made the Pro Bowl the very next year. 9 of the 12 starting quarterbacks that made the playoffs in 2011 were drafted in the first 32 picks (Drew Brees was drafted 32nd overall, which was the 1st pick of the 2nd round at the time he was drafted).

Of the 26 quarterbacks drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round since 2002, 6 still have less than 3 years experience and cannot be counted as statistical evidence, but of the other 20, only two have made the Pro Bowl, with one of those being Drew Brees, who, as I said before, was drafted with the 32 ndoverall pick, even though he was actually a 2nd round pick.

Only one of those 20 have won the Super Bowl as a starter, and, of course, that was Brees. Only 5 of those 20 quarterbacks have thrown 1000 passes in their career. Only 4 have thrown more touchdowns than interceptions in their career. Only 5 have career completions percentages of higher than 60% (minimum 100 throws). Historically, quarterbacks drafted in the 2nd or 3rd are no more likely to pan out than quarterbacks drafted in the 4th through 7th. For more on that, read this.

If a quarterback isn’t needed, but a left tackle or defensive end is needed, I address that need before anything unless it’s a major reach. If I have a franchise quarterback and I don’t protect him, I might as well not have a franchise quarterback. There is no such thing as a sure pick in the NFL Draft. Pretty much every position, except, oddly enough offensive tackle, has an fairly equal chance of busting as any other position, for more on that, read this.

Let me say this again. There is no such thing as a sure thing. We can scout for months and months and months and we still wouldn’t know shit relative to what we’ve convinced ourselves we know. Every pick is a risk. Take a college kid and put him in the NFL with millions and there are just so many things that could go wrong, let alone all the possible career ruining injuries he could face.

If I’m going to make a risk, which, by it’s very nature, a draft pick is, especially a first round pick, I would rather take a risk on a quarterback, a left tackle, or a defensive end, because of how important those positions are, than taking a risk on a defensive tackle, linebacker, or wide receiver.

Have a draft board. Just because there are so many things that could go wrong with a prospect, doesn’t mean the draft is a complete crap shoot. Obviously, if a guy has more talent to begin with than another, it helps. Unless it’s for a position like quarterback, left tackle, or defensive end, or unless none of the players on top of my board at the present moment fill a need, I would never make a huge reach against my draft board. I would actually prefer to take best available at a position of need than reach ten or so spots against my Draft Board. You never know when you’ll need talent at a position. 

 

2009 

2008

2007 

 

Quarterbacks 

Running Backs

Fullbacks

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Offensive Tackles

Centers

Defensive Tackles

Defensive Ends

Linebackers

Cornerbacks

Safeties

All times, pacific time 

Day 2

7:18: After day 2, My top 10 BPA, OT Bruce Campbell (17), DE Everson Griffen (25), CB Donovan Warren (32), DE/OLB Eric Norwood (34), OT Jason Fox (49), OLB Roddrick Muckelroy (50), TE Dennis Pitta (55), RB Jonathan Dwyer (60), WR Dezmon Briscoe (61), OT Ciron Black (62)

7:11: Falcons get some guard depth, offensive guard Mike Johnson, Alabama, good value, good pick. 

7:10: Titans take Rennie Curran, outside linebacker from Georgia, fills a need, solid scheme fit, solid value pick, this is why this team wins games. They draft well. 

7:07: Brandon Ghee finally out of the green room. He made a mistake by attending. He’ll be a solid player in the future. Though he has future #2 cornerback written all over him. The Bengals just get deeper at an important position, solid selection. 

7:05: Will ESPN ever bash a pick? 

7:02: Saints take Jimmy Graham. Most loaded tight end team in the league? I think so. That’s not as good as it sounds though. They needed some defensive line help and haven’t gotten that. 

6:58: Kevin Thomas before Everson Griffen? Is there something I missed? Why do teams hate him? 

6:57: Colts take Kevin Thomas, CB, USC 

6:56: Chiefs move up to take Tony Moeacki. He could be a steal if he stays healthy, but whatever happened to positional value. They needed to address QB, LT, RLB, and NT this year. They haven’t done any of that. 

6:55: Andy Reid looks like Uncle Vernon Dursley. 

6:52: Browns reach for another offensive lineman, Shawn Lauvao, guard/tackle, out of Arizona State. Is Mike Holmgren running the show here or Eric Mangini? My guess is Mangini. 

6:51: Andy Reid on ESPN to talk about eating cheeseburgers.  

6:50: Interesting fact, Andre Roberts had 6 career drops in college. He’s a real small school sleeper.

6:47: Wow, stuff moving fast, Patriots take a high upside wide receiver, Taylor Price and the Niners take a good player, Navarro Bowman, but I’m not sure he fits their scheme.  

6:46: Head scratcher here. Panthers take Armanti Edwards, a wildcat quarterback. I’m assuming they’ll move him to wide receiver and try to use him like a Josh Cribbs type guy. But he is a huge reach here and they didn’t need to trade up to get him. 

6:43: Patriots trade down again. Surprise. Panthers move up. They could probably take another great player here. If they take Everson Griffen. This is an amazing draft.  

6:42: They’ll go with another receiver, Andre Roberts. Hard to argue with this. Roberts is a solid wide receiver with good hands and great character.  

6:41: Cardinals on the board. They need a left tackle. Jason Fox is a solid guy to protect Matt Leinart’s blindside. He’ll need that badly. 

6:40: Denver takes a receiver who can actually run routes, Eric Decker. He’s a good player and fills a need, but what are they going to do about that run defense. Josh McDaniels must not think his conservative offense will need to control field positions and stop short downs.

6:39: Or their 2nd defensive end of the draft. That works too. They already brought in one defensive end in Darryl Tapp this offseason. Now they bring in two more through the draft. Washington DE Daniel Te’o-Neshiem. I guess that’s why they were stockpiling all of those picks. To make stupid trades up and draft the same position repeatedly. Who is going to replace Sheldon Brown?

6:36: Eagles on the clock. They like fat offensive linemen. Maybe Ciron Black. 

6:35: Browns better hope McCoy is better than I think. If not, they’ll be needing a quarterback in 2013 or 2014. 

6:34: But when Mack Brown walked up there to announce the pick, it was pretty obvious. I count this as a win for me. I had this in my mock, just like 40 picks earlier. 

6:33: Is it time for Colt McCoy? I doubt it. Why would Holmgren take him here if he didn’t take him before? Cleveland might actually take another QB (Kafka, LeFevour). Holmgren is a bold man.  

6:31: 2 of my top 25 players are still available. Brandon Ghee is still somewhere in a green room crying. 

6:30: Bengals take Jordan Shipley out of Texas. Good. They need to take some more weapons for Palmer. Shipley can also be a punt returner type guy. Think Brandon Stokley. 

6:29: Bengals need a nickelback/kick returner type guy. Is it AOA’s time to shine. 

6:27: Or they can take another defensive tackle. Corey Peters, Kentucky. What is with all of these defensive tackles? This is like the 14th DT or something like that. 

6:26: Falcons need a defensive end. I know they don’t like project guys, but they have to take Everson Griffen here.  

6:25: Annoying voice over lady once again, mixed with some “New York, New York, New York” no pick analysis.  

6:23: Steelers take Emmanuel Sanders 3 rounds too early. 

6:22: So far ESPN’s 3rd round coverage has been them talking about Colt McCoy and showing beer commercials (not the funny kind) and not analyzing any draft picks. Do these people realize this is their job?

6:20: Houston takes Earl Mitchell, defensive tackle, Arizona, good motor guy, overacheiver, under athletic, but I don’t know when they’ll take a replacement for Dunta Robinson (which they need to stop Peyton Manning). This CB class isn’t that deep.

6:19: Josh McDaniels has drafted one front 7 defensive player in his tenure in Denver (Robert Ayers). Not a good idea when they were one of the worst run stopping teams in the league the year before.

6:18: I’m Josh McDaniels! I don’t need defense! Broncos take a center, JD Walton, Baylor. He’s a good center, but he’s not really what the Broncos need. 

6:17: Broncos on the board. Maybe they’ll actually take a defensive player. 3-4 DE Arthur Jones Syracuse. 

6:16: Chargers take Donald Butler. He’s a bit of a reach and doesn’t fit the scheme well as a 3-4 MLB. Chargers can never draft well. I don’t know why they still win games.  

6:15: Chargers move up. They have a ton of needs and are extremely unpredictable. I won’t even try this one. 

6:14: On the money exactly, LaFell to Panthers at 78. Great draft. This is going to be a crazy offense next year. I had LaFell going to Carolina in the 2nd several times this year. I count this as a win.  

6:13: I have a good feeling the Panthers will take a WR to compliment Steve Smith and help out Jimmy Clausen. Either a big guy (Brandon LaFell) or a speed guy (Marshawn Gilyard). 

6:12: Bold prediction: Damian Williams is a future Pro Bowler. 

6:11: But I can’t argue with them taking the best available (in my mind). Damian Williams was my #1 WR and my #13th overall player. He’s everything you look for in a #1 WR. Humble, good route runner, good production, great hands, decent size, decent speed, gets open, gets YAC, love him. Titans are having the best draft so far according to my Big Board with Derrick Morgan (8) and Damian Williams (13) and they didn’t even have a 2nd rounder. Vince Young should be thrilled. 

6:08: Titans are going to be looking at DT, CB, OLB 

6:07: Chad Jones to Giants. There goes my one in a row streak. Chad Jones is a good player, but doesn’t fill an obvious need. They’ve brought in 2 safeties already this offseason. 

6:05: Giants up next. I think they may be the one to take a shot on Jonathan Dwyer, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they took a guy like Damian Williams. This is a smart organization. 

6:04: Damn I am clutch. That one was on the money. 

6:03: Major Wright to Chicago? Makes sense. They need upside and athleticism in the secondary. 

6:01: So the Jags took a 3rd round caliber DT in the 1st and a 3rd round caliber DT in the 3rd. At least they’re consistent. Jack Del Rio is so lazy he can’t think of new positions. They have not helped themselves at all this year. 

6:00: Shouldn’t have even tried, D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech 

5:59: Ok, I can’t resist, Everson Griffen or Riley Cooper. 

5:58: Jags on the board. I’m not even going to try to predict this one. 

5:57: Miami takes John Jerry and gets their future replacement for Justin Smiley.  

5:56: Bills don’t take a quarterback or a left tackle. Those positions aren’t important anyway. Alex Carrington to Bills. He’s a good player, 3-4 DE from Arkansas State, but he doesn’t fill a need or have positional value. 

5:55: Packers move up for Morgan Burnett. Once again the Packers get a good player. They do this every year. If Atari Bigby does down again this year, they have a replacement. 

5:53: Taylor Mays is pissed at Pete Carroll. Niners/Seahawks just got a little bit more interesting. Mays might “accidentally” fall out of bounds and hit Carroll. 

5:52: Colleen Dominquez fell asleep.

5:50: Ravens take Ed Dickson, tight end, Oregon. Good pick. He’s better than Todd Heap. 

5:49: Raiders are making some decent picks. Veldheer looks like a LT of the future. If they can get the QB situation sorted out somehow, they could win 8 games in a few years. 

5:48: The Raiders have finally taken a great athlete (the world makes sense). Not Bruce Campbell, but Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale, 6-8 312 5.05. 

5:47: Jon Gruden has a name fetish. 

5:45: Scott Pioli has completely abandoned the Patriot way. S, RB, CB, G with his first 4 picks, Jon Asamoah, guard, Illinois 

5:44: Chris Berman takes forever to read. Does he know how? 

5:42: KC looking NT here probably. Cam Thomas out of North Carolina makes sense.

5:40: Bucs take a defensive back, Myron Lewis, tweener CB/S guy, Raheem Morris will love working with him and his upside. 3rd round starts with CB-CB-CB. 

5:39: Spievey it is. I got one right! 

5:38: Lions need to go LT here (Jason Fox), though I wouldn’t be surprised if they went CB (Amari Spievey) 

5:37: Jimmy Clausen’s connection broke up. I blame Todd McShay.

5:36: Jerome Murphy is the pick. Steve Spagnuolo obviously thinks he can make good players out of 4th-7th round d-linemen and I don’t blame him. 

5:35: Rams pick is in. Everson Griffen? I predicted it last round and I’ll count it as a win if it happens. Rams fans should too. 

5:33: Three of my top 25 players still available, Damian Williams (13), Bruce Campbell (17), Everson Griffen (25). 

5:32: Someone will get a hell of a steal in Damian Williams in the 3rd. 

5:31: Saints take Charles Brown. My a favorite sleeper of mine. He’s a hell of a player. Jamaal Brown could be on the move.

5:30: Jerry Jones is on ESPN. Hopefully, he’s not drunk. 

5:28: Pat Angerer is the pick. It’s not as smart as I thought it would be. It’s Angrier though. 

5:26: Colts are a smart team and that’s why they’ll probably take Charles Brown. If not him, someone smart. They always draft smart. 

5:25: BB takes his BFFL Urban Meyer’s MLB, Brandon Spikes, upside, but slow, interesting pick. In BB we trust.

5:24: Pats might finally take Alex Carrington here. Actually, I’d be surprised if they didn’t trade back again. 

5:23: Here we go finally, Vlad Ducaase, big upside kid on the O-Line. Makes sense since they are a run heavy team. 

5:22: ESPN too busy showing Jets fans to tell us the pick. 

5:19: Mel Kiper thinks it’s a bad thing that Golden Tate can make catches in traffic. I normally agree with him, but in my book, that’s a good thing. 

5:17: Jets need to get pass rushers. That’s really their only remaining need. Corey Wootton and Alex Carrington are solid options. No good rush linebackers here though unfortunately. 

5:15: I was just shot in the head again. Golden Tate to Seattle. Good pick. Getting an immediate starting WR caliber player in the 2nd round. Solid value. Pete Carroll is making some nice picks. 

5:14: Mel Kiper just sounds smart. 

5:11: Seattle Seahawks on the board. Do they take a USC guy (Damian Williams, Everson Griffen, Joe McKnight) or a quarterback (Colt McCoy)? Gun to my head (I promised I wouldn’t say this tonight, but I have to) I’d say Everson Griffen. 

5:08: Browns take…some random guy. Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee. Mike Holmgren is holding out for Mike Kafka or Dan LeFevour. I’m calling it right now.

5:07: Does Steve Young ever listen to himself and think, what am I saying? 

5:06: Cleveland moves up to 59. Colt McCoy makes a lot of sense, but there are no guarantees. 

5:04: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn to Texans. 

5:03: 5 minutes between picks in 3rd round. Good thing I type 75 WPM (assuming my thumbs don’t get in the way), but I may have to cut out the witty/stupid comments.

5:02: Make that 19. Pats trade down again. Wow. 

5:01: 40 seconds still on clock. I can get something to eat/drink. Yes. 

5:00: How many picks do the Pats have? Like 18?

4:59: Pats picking again. I still say Alex Carrington. They reportedly love him. 

4:57: Great value pick for Baltimore. They run a 3-4 without a true run stopping NT. Now they have a true NT. Cody won’t play a ton (low stamina), but he is a great pick here. They need someone like them

4:55: Baltimore’s pick is in. Terrence Cody? 

4:54: Packers take Mike Neal, 3-4 defensive end, Purdue, great underrated quick player. I don’t know what team he fills, but he’s a good player and the Packers always take good players. That is why this is always a good team. 

4:53: Packers will take BPA. Bruce Campbell? Chad Jones? 

4:50: Cowboys take Sean Lee, MLB, Penn State great solid leader, great pick, fills a position of need, Cowboys having a great draft 

4:48: Bruce Campbell is Cowboys is my prediction. That would be a stacked offense. 

4:47: I like the Dunlap pick too. Upside. Upside. Upside. But, so predictable. The Bengals love guys who have character issues. 

4:46: I love the Cunningham pick. Great motor, great athleticism, great player, consistent, this is why I love being a Pats fan. They know how to draft. 

4:45: And Bengals take his teammate, Carlos Dunlap, I had them taking him in the first, so I’ll count this as a win.

4:44: Patriots take Jermaine Cunningham, rush linebacker, Florida 

4:41: Patriots on the clock, pick is in, ESPN goes to commercial. My prediction: Alex Carrington 

4:40: Worilds has upside, but he’s inconsistent. I think the Steelers can bring it out of him though and he won’t have to play right away. Solid selection. 

4:39: Steelers pick Jason Worilds, rush linebacker, Virginia Tech 

4:38: I know they say thumbs are the result of evolution, but my left thumb keeps hitting my mouse pad and clicking me to random places on the screen. Damn it. 

4:37: Yep, it’s Gerhart. Good pick. The Vikings needed another RB to spell Peterson in the backfield and get back to that power running game and there isn’t a better power runner in this draft class.

4:35: Gerhart looks happy. Minnesota moves up to take Gerhart. 

4:32: Did Chris Mortensen just compare McCluster to “Wesley Welker?” They barely even play the same position!

4:31: Houston on board. They’ll be looking at a running back. They’ve made it clear they want an RB. Montario Hardesty. Joe McKnight. Toby Gerhart. Or a CB, Brandon Ghee (the last man left in the green room). 

4:29: Javier Arenas to Chiefs. Interesting pick. I like their 3 kick returner offense. It could work. 

4:28: Taylor Mays lost a ton of money by going back to school. He was a lock to be the 7th pick last year. Now he goes 48th. Wow.

4:27: According to Todd McShay and his magical football field board, Jonathan Stewart is James Stewart. You’d think for the money he gets paid, he’d remember names.  

4:25: Chiefs on board. My prediction (I can start making these with confidence again after 2 in a row right) is Terrence Cody. 

4:24: Finally got one. Mays to Niners. Great upside pick. I had him going to them at 13, so I’ll count this as a win for me, definitely one for the Niners. 

4:21: Mays to Niners? That’s my prediction.  

4:18: Finally. Finally. This Panthers team is going to be a good team. Clausen to Panthers at 48. Wow. Him with that line and that running game. They need another receiver and some d-line help, but, as teams will soon learn, when you have a quarterback, you can mask some needs. 

4:17: Will Panthers take Jimmy Clausen at 48? I won’t even answer, but I have no idea. 

4:16: Clausen is somewhere crying. Cardinals take Daryl Washington. Doesn’t fit their 3-4 at all at 227 pounds.

4:15: While ESPN was showing me random people on the street in New York, the Giants took Linval Joseph, defensive tackle, East Carolina. 

4:14: Arizona trades up to 47. Clausen? Finally? 

4:13: Another thing I haven’t gotten to say, but want to, Mike Holmgren said they were looking for a quarterback if there was one they liked available. I think it’s safe to say Clausen he does not like. McCoy? Maybe. Sleeper name for Browns at QB, Mike Kafka. Mel Kiper said he could be a 3rd round pick and he seems like the type of guy Holmgren would like. Reminds me a bit of Hasselbeck.

4:12: Btw, I love the Gronkowski pick for the Patriots. Finally got a chance to say this. Great big target. Great upside. Great big blocker. 

4:11: Beadles will probably move to guard. He could be a decent player, but why pick him here? 

4:10: With the 45th in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select Zane Beadles, offensive tackle, Utah 

4:09: Raiders are making good picks. If they put Gradkowski at QB, they could win some good games. 

4:08: Broncos on clock? Will they take Jimmy Clausen and use a 4 quarterback offense? Maybe. 

4:07: One of the best picks the Raiders could have made (other than Clausen).

4:06: LaMarr Houston to Raiders. Who is making these picks? It’s not Al Davis.

4:05: Sergio Kindle is an underachieving, injury prone player, but he has a ton of upside. He’ll push Terrell Suggs and maybe the Ravens veteran leadership (Lewis, Reed) will push Kindle to best as possible.

4:04: Kindle to Ravens.

4:02: Baltimore on clock? Terrence Cody here? At least that’s what I’m hearing. 

4:01: I have never been so happy to see the commish, the Pats take Rob Gronkowski. Love it. 

4:00: And now I have to change to ESPN 2. Seriously, what is the pick? I’m hearing different things from everywhere, changing channels, hearing NEW YORK again, not seeing the commish. 

3:59: Oakland trades down, Pats trade up. Pick has been in for like 5 minutes, but ESPN hasn’t announced it. 

3:58: NFL Network is getting teams wrong, ESPN is showing commercials, I officially have no idea, what is going on? Where is Roger Goddell?

3:55: My NFL draft grades should be fun. I wonder how many Cs Ds and Fs I’ll give for teams passing on Clausen. 

3:54: Torrell Troup pick is interesting for Bills, fills a need, but not a huge needs, but he’s also not even BPA at his positions (Terrence Cody, Linval Joseph, Cam Thomas) 

3:53: Will Oakland be the one who finally takes Clausen? Or will they take Taylor Mays or Bruce Campbell (athletic guys)? Or will they take some random guy? My bet is on random guy. 

3:52: Still 11 of my top 34 available. I think I may start a team and buy a 2nd round pick and take Clausen and then sign a bunch of undrafted guys. That team might actually win some games. 

3:51: Bills take Torrell Troup. 

3:49: Bills on the clock, do they go quarterback (McCoy, Clausen) or left tackle (Charles Brown).

3:47: Sources told me they liked Sergio Kindle, but I guess those were wrong. The Dolphins take Koa Misi, rush linebacker, Utah. Misi is a very raw player, who looked good at Senior Bowl, but how will he convert to a new position. He is an overachiever and a great locker room guy though.  

3:46: Miami on clock, Sergio Kindle makes a lot of sense 

3:45: Not an awful pick. I like guys like Damian Williams and Golden Tate more, but Benn has more upside than either of those guys. The Buccaneers need a #1 receiver. Solid B.

3:44: Benn puts on the hat. He’ll be the pick. I had him going to the Bucs at 35, so I’ll count this as a win for me. Finally. 

3:43: Benn on phone, looks like he’ll be the pick. 

3:42: Bucs move up, Arrelious Benn makes sense, remember Raheem Morris said his #1 need this offseason was getting help for Josh Freeman and I don’t think he was referring to Reggie Brown. 

3:41: A little scouting report on TJ Ward since you’ve probably never heard of him. Undersized, aggressive, but not fundamentally sound hitter, lack of speed, lack of ball skilling, injury issues. 

3:38: Hmm, quarterback that can help us win games, or a 5th round prospect at safety. Let’s go with TJ Ward Oregon. Will Jimmy Clausen ever be drafted? 

3:36: Let’s see what Mike Holmgren meant when he said he wishes he liked Jimmy Clausen more. This pick will probably either be Jimmy Clausen or Colt McCoy.

3:33: Good pick. Nate Allen is a better fit than Taylor Mays at free safety and he’s a safer pick. He has those Brian Dawkins comparisons.

3:32: Could Andy Reid take Jimmy Clausen? Weirder things have happened, but I doubt it. Taylor Mays makes sense here, fills a need at safety, has the speed Reid likes, or he may take Terrence Cody as his hamburger eating buddy. 

3:31: This is one of the stupidest picks of the draft. Matt Cassel is decent, but not great. Clausen has the potential to be great. He probably knows their offense already better than Matt Cassel does. He could have gone in and mentored Cassel on the offense and then taken over in 2011 and they would have been competitive in the weak AFC West for years. But now they have a cool option in Dexter McCluster that doesn’t fill a need.

3:28: Or we could go with another running back. Thomas Jones. Jamaal Charles. Dexter McCluster. No o-line, mediocre QB, but a lot of cool RBs. YAY

3:27: Shut up Steve Young. I want to know the pick.

3:23: Will Charlie Weis bail out Jimmy Clausen? He should. Matt Cassel is a one year stop gap, but Clausen could be the longterm answer. If this draft made any sense, they’d take Clausen. But it doesn’t, so I don’t really know. 

3:22: I actually don’t mind this pick. Brian Price was one of the BPA and the Buccaneers were awful against the run last year. i just didn’t think they’d actually go DT-DT. Price is perfect for their scheme. Solid B+ pick. 

3:21: Or take another defensive tackle, that’s cool. Brian Price out of UCLA. 

3:20: Annoying voiceover lady is back. 

3:19: Living on the west coast, seeing these commercials for Raiders’ tickets every commercial break is pretty funny.

3:17: Bucs on the board. Positions of need: CB, DE, S, WR Will they actually take one of these positions? Who knows? My prediction is Arrelious Benn. Everson Griffen, Brandon Ghee, Taylor Mays all make sense though, as does Golden Tate. 

3:16: Chris Cook is a good player, but what happens when Favre retires? Tarvaris Jackson? Sage Chokesenfels?  

3:15: Chris Cook?! Wow. I don’t think Jimmy Clausen will ever be drafted. Will his former coach (Charlie Weis) and the Chiefs bail him out? He better hope so. 

3:14: Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York (seriously, this song again, I had to listen to it all night last night, seriously) 

3:12: If the Vikings don’t take Jimmy Clausen, I will literally pull my hair out. The Vikings have a chance to take a guy who is regarded as a consensus top 10 prospect quarterback at 34. Favre won’t be around forever and I really don’t think Favre will be offended if the Vikings take Clausen. He wasn’t offended when the Packers took Aaron Rodgers in 2005.

3:11: I didn’t predict it, but I like it. Some teams know the importance of protecting your QB. Jason Smith and Roger Saffold will be bookend tackles for Bradford for many years.  

3:10: With the 33rd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams, select Roger Saffold, offensive tackle, Indiana 

3:07: ESPN polls say 54% think McCoy is the best quarterback available, 46% say Jimmy Clausen. People are stupid. 

3:05: Steve Young says the Lions have been doing a good job getting help for Matt Stafford over the past 2-3 years. So many things wrong here. First, he has no left tackle. Second, Stafford hasn’t even been town an entire year. If Stafford doesn’t get better protection soon, he may sound like Steve Young when he retires. 

3:03: Rams on the clock. If they don’t trade down, they’ll be looking for a pass rusher (Everson Griffen, Carlos Dunlap) or wide receiver (Arrelious Benn, Golden Tate)

3:01: 12 of my top 34 players on my Big Board are still available, plenty of good talent left 

3:00: Jon Gruden predicts trades will be made. There’s a risky prediction. 

2:59: My Top 12 BPA, Jimmy Clausen, Charles Brown, Damian Williams, Bruce Campbell, Terrence Cody, Brian Price, Everson Griffen, Brandon Ghee, Golden Tate, Donovan Warren, Taylor Mays, Eric Norwood

2:55: Rams are reportedly fielding offers for the #33rd pick. The Bills and Browns are in the mix. If I was the Rams, I would call up the Raiders, Bills, Chiefs, Vikings, and Browns, all of whom are probably targeting either Jimmy Clausen or Colt McCoy here, put them on speaker phone, or video conference, and let them go at it auction style.

2:40: While we wait, let’s have a little mini (fake) interview with Raiders’ owner Al Davis.

Me: So Al, every year before this year, you have only taken players based on 40 times, but this year you took Rolando McClain. What changed?

Al Davis: I…hate…everyone…..All NFL Mock Drafts……have me taking Bruce Campbell……I wanted to take Bruce Campbell…..because he is fast….and big…..but if I had taken Bruce Campbell……all of those mock drafters would have been right…and they would have been happy…and I hate everyone…..but if I had taken Jimmy Clausen…..Raidah fans would have been happy…..and I hate everyone…..so I took Rolando McClain…..he is not fast….and makes all of those mock draft fans….but still pisses off the fans……I…hate…everyone

In all seriousness, I actually think something like that is what happened. Either that or that rumor I heard about Raiders’ scouts giving Al Davis fake 40 times is true. Or Al Davis secretly died and the Raiders didn’t tell anyone.

2:28: One more thing about the Tebow pick, I think this proves that Josh McDaniels is living in his own world. It’s one thing to prefer players over other players (Demaryius Thomas over Brandon Marshall, Matt Cassel/Kyle Orton over Jay Cutler, Tim Tebow over Jimmy Clausen), but another thing to think other teams feel that way too. Why did he have to move up to 25 to take Tebow? How many other teams would have taken Tebow over Clausen? 1? 2? none? What was the point of trading up?

2:25: First while I have some time, I want to speak some more on Tebow to the Broncos. I really think the Broncos are trying to run an option spread offense in the NFL, or at least some form of one. Why else would they be drafting this many option spread players (Tebow, Thomas). I would not be surprised if they drafted an option spread running back (Jonathan Dwyer) in the 3rd round range. As for Tebow, I think he has to be happy with where he is going. He went in the first round, which was a bit of a stretch for him, especially over Jimmy Clausen. He goes to a team with a coach known for good work with quarterbacks (Matt Cassel, Tom Brady). He goes to a team where he won’t have to play right away and a team that runs a spread offense like he did at Florida. 

2:20: Yesterday was embarrassing. My mock drafts make too much sense. I look at team needs, find best available at those positions of need, take into account team drafting strategy, and scheme, and then make a pick. I don’t even know what it is most NFL teams do, but it’s definitely not that, at least not based what we saw yesterday. Don’t get me wrong some picks made a lot of sense (Gerald McCoy to Buccaneers, Russell Okung to Seahawks, Derrick Morgan to Titans, Sean Weatherspoon to Falcons, Bryan Bulaga to Packers, Dez Bryant to Cowboys, Jerry Hughes to Colts), but not anywhere near enough. Hopefully I get more picks today. Check out my Day 2 Mock Draft.

 

Day 1 

8:11: Maybe Jimmy Clausen will actually be drafted tomorrow too. 

8:09: Be back tomorrow. Hopefully with some better picks and not just a weird combination of ESPN bashing and self loathing. 

8:08: The Saints already have Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter (my favorite underrated player in the league) at cornerback. They also have Malcolm Jenkins, who could play safety, but considering they used the 14th pick on him last year, that wouldn’t make a lot of sense. Now they have added another cornerback. I don’t get it. Plus, Patrick Robinson doesn’t have a good work ethic. He reportedly took plays off in college to prevent injuries so he wouldn’t get hurt before the pros.  

8:05: Gun to my head, I would have died multiple times tonight. 

8:03: Patrick Robinson defensive back Florida State. He was my fourth choice. Not really. Weird day. 

8:01: Alright gun to my head, I’ll stick with Everson Griffen my original pick. 

8:00: My dad saw cheering Saints’ fans and asked me who they were. I wanted to say “who dat” but he wouldn’t have gotten it. 

7:58: Everson Griffen, Carlos Dunlap, Sergio Kindle are the most likely picks in my mind. Of course, with the way this draft has been going, it’ll probably be done on those players. 

7:57: I do like the pick. Both Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will be free agents in 2011. Hughes is a value pick. He can be a solid nickel rusher in the 4th quarter when the Colts are playing with the lead. Hughes is undersized, but plays with a great motor which the Colts like. He fits the scheme well.

7:54: Berman was right. I was wrong. Jerry Hughes. 

7:53: Chris Berman says Jerry Hughes. Interesting idea. 

7:50: Colts on board. Charles Brown makes sense here and the Colts like to make sense. 

7:49: Left tackles be damned. Running backs, defensive tackles, safeties, awesome. In fact, let’s trade up for a running back. It’ll be awesome. Jahvid Best is a great player, but he doesn’t help the Lions in a way they need.

7:47: Lions take Jahvid Best, running back, California 

7:45: Pick traded to Lions. Jahvid Best will be the pick.

7:39: Jimmy Clausen to Vikings is my prediction. If that means anything any more. 

7:37: Interesting pick for Jets. Antonio Cromartie will be their #2 corner next year, but Wilson is a solid nickel corner and is a great punt returner. He has huge upside and if he pans out, the Jets have two shutdown corners. Wow. 

7:35: Jets take Kyle Wilson. Today is not my day.

7:33: As for the Odrick pick, I don’t get it. He doesn’t fill a need, but it’s hard to argue when Odrick is one of the best available and is a perfect fit for the scheme. 

7:31: Do I even want to make a prediction? Jets on the board. I’ll go with Jerry Hughes just because I had him in my actual mock draft. Yeah, remember that thing.  

7:29: Or I could be wrong again. That’s cool. Jared Odrick to Dolphins. Not sure where he fits, but he does fit the scheme. 

7:26: Dolphins on the clock. I know I’ve been wrong a lot, but Sergio Kindle makes a lot of sense here. They reportedly love him. 

7:24: Patriots take Devin McCourty, cornerback, Rutgers, interesting, not sure how I feel about this yet, but I don’t hate it. In BB we trust.

7:23: I didn’t think Jimmy Clausen would have this many parallels to Aaron Rodgers, but it’s looking like Clausen will end up as Favre’s backup. I doubt the Vikings pass on him at 30 if he’s there. 

7:22: Broncos/Ravens trade details, Ravens get 2nd and 3rd, Broncos get 1st (Tebow), teams swap 4th rounders (5 spots) 

7:21: If Pats pick, it will be either Jared Odrick, Sergio Kindle, or Taylor Mays. 

7:20: Patriots on the board. Will they finally pick? 

7:19: The Cardinals needed a nose tackle, they could have won the division if they had taken Clausen. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. 

7:17: Cardinals pick finally, Dan Williams, nose tackle, Tennessee, have fun with Matt Leinart and Derek Anderson 

7:16: Cardinals pick is in, but ESPN is busy being in love with Tebow. 

7:12: If the Cardinals pass on Jimmy Clausen they are pretty stupid. 

7:10: I love Tim Tebow and I thought I would be happy when he was drafted. Josh McDaniels had to ruin that. 

7:07: Still congrats to Tebow.  

7:05: Denver moves up and takes Tim Tebow. NOOOOOOOOOOOO. I love Tebow. Josh McDaniels will destroy him. 

7:04: Ravens will either take Jared Odrick, Kyle Wilson, or Dan Williams. 

7:04: USA USA USA USA USA USA  

7:03: Dez Bryant is a stereotypical Jerry Jones pick, flashy, big 12. He has some baggage, but he’s a good pick.  

7:02: Ravens on the board. Jared Odrick makes sense. 

7:01: Dez Bryant is a Cowboy. Again. 

7:00: Roy Williams = bye bye. This is what happens when you don’t catch the ball or get open. 

6:59: Looks like Cowboys are taking Dez.  

6:58: ESPN is reporting the Patriots have traded their pick to Dallas at the same time Todd McShay is saying the Pats will pick Dez Bryant. Wow. 

6:56: Adam Schefter is saying this pick could be Mays. Hmm… As a Pats fan, I wouldn’t mind. 

6:55: Bryan Bulaga just looks like a Packer. 

6:53: Pats on the board. Don’t rule out a trade. If not a trade, probably Dez Bryant. 

6:51: And it is Bryan Bulaga. If Chad Clifton goes down this year, Aaron Rodgers won’t die. 

6:50: Packers could take Dez Bryant. He may be BPA in their eyes. However, he might be way lower than that. He’s that polarizing. If not Bryant, probably Bryan Bulaga. 

6:49: Josh McDaniels is stupid. The final package for Jay Cutler, a 3rd rounder, Richard Quinn, Kyle Orton, Robert Ayers, Demaryius Thomas. WOWOWOWOW 

6:48: Demaryius Thomas was the first receiver taken in the 2010 NFL Draft. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW 

6:47: Or they could just take some guy who doesn’t know how to run routes.  

6:46: With the 22nd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Broncos take Demaryius Thomas, wide receiver, Georgia Tech 

6:45: This pick could be Dez Bryant, but why would the Pats trade down if they thought the Broncos would take Bryant. The Pats want him too. 

6:44: While I have some time, I like the Bengals pick. Carson Palmer needs a guy like Jermaine Gresham to throw to. Two thumbs up.

6:43: Patriots trade down, there’s a surprise. Broncos move up to 22. Jimmy Clausen? 

6:42: Bengals took someone without character flaws. What is going on this year?Bengals take Gresham out of Oklahoma. 

6:41: Jimmy Clausen has Erin Andrews following him around. He is so lucky!

6:40: Bengals will probably be looking for criminals here. Carlos Dunlap and Jared Odrick make sense. If they want to go with someone who hasn’t been arrested, Dez Bryant, Taylor Mays, and Jermaine Gresham. Gun to my head, I’d say Carlos Dunlap.

6:37: Right position, wrong player, but they could have done worse. Kareem Jackson is a decent pick. 

6:36: With the 20th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select Kareem Jackson, cornerback, Alabama 

6:35: Houston is probably looking at Kyle Wilson here at 20. They need to replace Dunta Robinson. 

6:34: Hard to argue with the Falcons taking BPA. They know how to draft. 

6:33: I’m glad Jimmy Clausen did not choose to attend. This would have been embarrassing for him. He will probably go to Denver at 24, Arizona at 26, Minnesota at 30, or a team who moves up, but wherever he goes he will be an impact player.

6:32: With the 19th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons take Sean Weatherspoon, outside linebacker, Missouri 

6:30: Falcons probably looking at Sean Weatherspoon and Kyle Wilson here. 

6:29: Here’s my deal with Maurkice Pouncey. He was a 3rd round pick in January. He has not played since January. You always have to be weary of late risers like him. Pouncey never played up to his potential at Florida. 

6:28: Steelers take Pouncey, the center out of Florida, this was pretty predictable. 

6:27: Will the Steelers take Jimmy Clausen? Not likely, but possible. 

6:26: As much as I can like a guard over a quarterback, I do like this pick. Iupati is a huge upside guy and it’s obvious the Niners want to get back to their run blocking ways. He has Larry Allen esque upside.

6:25: I guess the Niners are staying put. Mike Iupati from Idaho. 

6:22: I’ll go more in depth in my draft grades next week, but I love this pick for the Titans because Morgan doesn’t need a lot of work. A lot of the high upside defensive ends have been busting in recent years. Defensive ends have to hit guys and wrestle with fat guys. It’s not hard to see why when players at that position get a huge signing bonus, they stop putting in as much work as you’d like. Morgan doesn’t need a lot of work.

6:21: Great pick. Morgan was the best DE in college football last year, good size, good speed, good motor, most proven defensive end.

6:20: A pick that makes sense, no way. The Titans take Derrick Morgan out of Georgia Tech. 

6:19: Sources tell me the Niners have made another trade, likely down from 17. Will Jimmy Clausen ever be drafted?

6:17: Commercials. Ugh. Time to eat food. 

6:15: The Titans should take Derrick Morgan. I say should because I’m done trying to predict stuff. If the world makes sense, Morgan will be the pick. He was the most dominant DE in college last year.

6:14: Yeah, let’s go with the raw kid who didn’t dominate at all in college over the proven defensive end who lived in the backfield last year.

6:13: With the 15th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Giants select Jason Pierre Paul, defensive end, South Florida 

6:09: I can’t hate the Seahawks pick too much, at least relatively so, but they may really regret letting Jimmy Clausen fall to their division rival Niners at 17. Assuming the Niners actually take him. 

6:07: Giants on the board. Derrick Morgan is my guess, but it could be Sean Weatherspoon or Dan Williams. 

6:05: Maybe Thomas just is incapable of showing emotion. Or maybe he really didn’t want to go to Seattle. Come on, you’re going to the NFL. Be a little happier. 

6:05: With the 14th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Earl Thomas, safety, Texas.

6:04: Earl Thomas on the phone, but he doesn’t look too happy. 

6:02: I know I was complaining about how fast the action was moving, but I haven’t had to say anything in 4 minutes. What is going on? 

5:58: Seahawks on the board. For the love of all that makes sense, they better take Jimmy Clausen. 

5:57: I think the whole draft being on a Thursday thing is confusing people to make bad picks. 

5:56: Eagles take Brandon Graham. He is not the best player available. He is not the best player at his position. He doesn’t fill a big need. They did not have to move up for him. Want me to keep going. 

5:53: Chargers/Dolphins trade details. Chargers get 12th. Dolphins get 28th, 40th, a 4th round pick, and Tim Dobbins. 

5:52: Philly moves up to 13. Broncos move back down. The pick will be Earl Thomas. 

5:51: Matthews at the highest would have gone 20. Why did the Chargers have to move up to 12 to get him? Plus, why even take a running back in the first anyway? This is a deep running back class. Bad pick. Bad pick. 

5:50: Chris Mortensen got something right? Matthews to Chargers. Chargers did something stupid again in the draft. Why am I not surprised?

5:48: Chris Mortensen thinks the pick will be Ryan Matthews. Therefore, the pick will not be Ryan Matthews.

5:47: Chargers move up, most likely to take Dan Williams. Chris Berman says he thinks it’ll be Ryan Matthews. At this rate, it’ll probably be some random guy. Details of Dolphins trade forthcoming.

5:44: Anthony Davis = Andre Smith 2.0. Why would the Niners move up?

5:43: With the 11th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers take a big fat guy from Rutgers 

5:41: Josh McDaniels obviously does not know what a draft trade value chart is. The Niners are likely to take Jimmy Clausen here. 

5:40: Niners moving up. Broncos moves down to 13 and pick up a 4th.

5:39: Alualu is not a top 10 player. The Jaguars probably took him because he won’t demand a lot of money. Their financial issues may be worse than we though. He won’t help them a ton though. Bad pick. Plus, he won’t sell anymore NFL Tickets for the Jaguars, which is something they needed to do here.

5:38: Some random player it is. Tyson Alualu. WTFWTFWTFWTFWTFWTFWTFWTF 

5:37: Jacksonville has a few options here. They can take a QB, Jimmy Clausen. They could trade down (not sure who they’d trade with). They could take Dez Bryant or Derrick Morgan. Or they could take some random player. 

5:36: Stuff on my mind. I wish Rolando McClain had attended the draft so I could see him cry (sad tears, not happy tears) when his name was called.

Bye bye Marshawn Lynch, he’ll probably be traded, most likely to the Chargers was the 28th pick, and the Bills will take Tim Tebow and go left tackle in the 2nd. If they do that, I don’t think it’s a bad pick. But that’s a big if. 

5:34: Oh good, crappy commercials. I have time to say stuff that’s on my mind. 

5:33: So the Raiders don’t take a fast player, but instead take a guy who doesn’t fit the scheme, doesn’t have good positional value, and fills a position that’s not a need at all (Kirk Morrison is their 3rd best defensive player) and now the Bills take the one position they don’t need. No QB in town. No Left Tackle in town. 

5:32: I don’t understand anything anymore. 

5:31: Bills move fast, take CJ Spiller.  

5:30: I think Al Davis was tried of being made fun of for just picking fast players so he took some random guy. 

5:29: Raiders take McClain. WTF. 

5:28: This pick should be Jimmy Clausen. I will be some crazy athlete. Most likely Bruce Campbell. 

5:27: With the 8th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select Darrius Heyward Bey, wide receiver, Maryland…o wait 

5:26: Yikes, that picture even scares me. 

5:25: Next on the board

5:24: I don’t hate the Browns pick. I would have taken Clausen, but they could have done worse. 

5:23: With the 7th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns take Joe Haden, cornerback, Florida 

5:20: Michael Smith says it’ll be between Joe Haden and Kyle Wilson. I guess I was wrong. Haden it is.

5:19: ESPN has cameras at Tim Tebow’s house? That’s not creepy.

5:18: Gun to my head, I’d say this pick would be Earl Thomas. 

5:17: Mike Holmgren said he wishes he loved Jimmy Clausen more. I guess we’ll finally find out what that means. I would take Clausen, but I think they could take either Joe Haden, Earl Thomas, Derrick Morgan.

5:16: Gotta love the Okung pick. Matt Hasselbeck might not be killed next year again. 

5:15: With the 6th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Russell Okung, offensive tackle, Oklahoma State

5:10: Russell Okung will be going to the Seahawks. Pete Carroll has to love all of the stupid draft rooms ahead of him.

5:08: Eric Berry is a great player, but this means he will be by far the highest paid safety in the league next year. That’s not right. The Chiefs aren’t a good team. They need more than a safety. Safeties also run huge risks of injuries because they have to hit like linebackers at cornerback size. 

5:06: Eric Berry says he’s always wanted to be a Chief. He did not pass the stupidity test.

5:05: ESPN snooping on Eric Berry. I guess he’ll be the 5th pick. Scott Pioli must have been kidnapped by ninjas. This is not the Patriot way.  

5:04: NFL Draft commercials are like the opposite of Super Bowl commercials. They all suck. 

5:02: Trent Williams was asked by the Redskins if he was committed to be great. Well, he passed the stupidity test. I’ll say that much for him.

5:01: Russell Okung makes too much sense for the Chiefs here at 5. Matt Cassel has the slowest release in the NFL. He needs better protection. Okung is an NFL ready LT and a guy who can anchor a line for years.

5:00: Trent Williams is not a left tackle. He is a fast right tackle with athleticism. He is not an elite pass protector. He will not able to make an immediate impact. This is not a good pick. Think Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt in 2008. 

4:58: With the 4th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select Trent Williams, offensive tackle, Oklahoma 

4:55: The next pick will, with 85% certainly by Russell Okung. Okung is the best available player, but rumors are out there at the ‘Skins like Trent Williams more. Okung would definitely be the right pick. They need to protect McNabb and Okung is that Ryan Clady type player like Mike Shanahan had in Dallas, er, I mean Denver. Dallas is not in Denver.

4:54: Hard to argue with the Bucs taking McCoy. They sucked against the run last year. Good pick. 

4:53: With the 3rd pick in the 2010 NFL Mock Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Gerald McCoy, defensive tackle, Oklahoma

4:48: Ndamukong Suh’s head looks like a house of spears. I bet that’s how his parents named him. 

4:47: Will the Buccaneers take Gerald McCoy? Will the Redskins select Russell Okung? Will this annoying voiceover lady ever shut up? 

4:46: The next pick will be Gerald McCoy. If there are any more guarantees tonight, that’s it. 

4:45: Obviously I don’t like this pick, unless they make a trade for a veteran left tackle (Jared Gaither). Have fun protecting your 73 million dollar investment. 

4:43: With the second pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle, Nebraska. 

4:42: Ndamukong Suh on the phone. I’m guessing that’s not his mom. Somewhere Matt Stafford is crying.

4:40: 50/50 chance this pick is Okung. 50/50 this is Suh. Okung would be the smart pick though. 

4:38: Overall the Rams could have done worse, but at least they drafted a guy with upside at the right position. Bradford isn’t ready to be a week 1 starter though. I’d give the pick a solid B. 

4:37: With the 1st pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select Sam Bradford, quarterback, Oklahoma. 

4:35: Chris Berman: The Rams went 1-15 last year so there’s nowhere to go but up. I’m guessing Chris Berman did not do well in math.

4:34: Gotta love the one dude sitting in New York with the Patriots hat. 

4:31: Oh crap. It’s Chucky. Oh wait, that’s just Jon Gruden. 

4:30: Browns reportedly willing to trade almost their entire draft and some of their picks next year for Sam Bradford. Talk about putting all of your eggs in one basket. Not a good idea when that basket is a spread QB who is coming off of shoulder surgery. 

4:28: According to ESPN, Dallas is in Denver. Who knew. 

4:26: 99% chance that Sam Bradford goes #1. The Rams have not announced the pick yet which looks a little concerning. They could put a hole in everyone’s mock and take Jimmy Clausen #1 overall. It’s doubtful though. 

4:23: The wise words of Steve Young. Everyone is open in college. No one is open in the pros. It all makes sense now. All of this work I have done scouting quarterbacks has been pointless. 

4:21: Drew Brees has been announced as the Madden cover athlete. Drew Brees will separate his shoulder week 1 next season and be out for the year.

4:18: Note to Demaryius Thomas, LaMarr Houston, Rob Gronkowski, Jahvid Best, and Brandon Ghee, you will not be drafted today. You’re just setting yourself up to look stupid.

4:16: Bryan Bulaga just looks like he wants to beat someone over the head with a big stick.

4:12: Today is like Christmas for NFL Draft fans. Unless you’re a Raiders fan. 

4:07: This is my NFL Draft Live Blog. There are very few guarantees on draft day, but I can guarantee that my draft coverage will be better than Matt Millen’s.

 

 

These consensus NFL draft rankings are based off of Play the Draft’s formula, which takes into account big boards and mock drafts from across the DraftNik community. See players you think are underrated? Then sign up for Play the Draft for free and compete against me and other draft experts for the chance to win a chance to meet Mel Kiper. You can sign up at the following link. http://game.playthedraft.com/fbdraft/setup/affiliate_league_accept.asp?affiliateID=7

Quarterbacks

Andrew Luck 1^st

Robert Griffin 2^nd

Ryan Tannehill Top 10

Brandon Weeden Mid 2^nd round

Kirk Cousins Mid 3^rd round

Brock Osweiler Mid 3^rd round

Running backs

Trent Richardson Top 10

Lamar Miller 1^st/2^nd round

Doug Martin Early 2^nd round

David Wilson Mid 2^nd round

Chris Polk Late 2^nd round

LaMichael James Early 3^rd round

Wide receivers

Justin Blackmon Top 10

Michael Floyd Top 15

Kendall Wright Top 25

Stephen Hill 1^st/2^nd round

Alshon Jeffery 1^st/2^nd round

Reuben Randle Early 2^nd round

Mohamed Sanu Mid 2^nd round

Brian Quick Early 3^rd round

Nick Toon Late 3^rd round

Tight ends

Coby Fleener 1^st/2^nd round

Dwayne Allen Mid 2^nd round

Orson Charles Late 2^nd round

Offensive Tackles

Matt Kalil Top 3

Riley Reiff Top 15

Jonathan Martin Top 20

Mike Adams Late 1^st round

Zebrie Sanders Late 2^nd round

Bobby Massie Late 2^nd round

Brandon Washington Early 3^rd round

Mitchell Schwartz Late 3^rd round

Guards

David DeCastro Top 15

Cordy Glenn Top 25

Kevin Zeitler Early 2^nd round

Kelechi Osemele Mid 2^nd round

Amini Silatolu 2^nd/3^rd round

Centers

Peter Konz 1^st/2^nd round

 

Defensive Ends

Quinton Coples Top 15

Melvin Ingram Top 15

Andre Branch 1^st/2^nd round

Vinny Curry Mid 2^nd round

Ronnell Lewis Late 2^nd round

Jared Crick Late 2^nd round

Chandler Jones Late 2^nd round

Bruce Irvin Mid 3^rd round

Cam Johnson Mid 3^rd round

Defensive Tackles

Dontari Poe Top 15

Fletcher Cox Top 15

Michael Brockers Top 20

Devon Still Late 1^st round

Jerel Worthy Early 2^nd round

Kendall Reyes Mid 2^nd round

Brandon Thompson Mid 2^nd round

Alameda Ta’amu Late 3^rd round

Mike Martin Mid 3^rd round

Josh Chapman Late 3^rd round

Outside Linebackers

Courtney Upshaw Top 20

Nick Perry Top 25

Whitney Mercilus Late 1^st round

Zach Brown Early 2^nd round

Lavonte David Mid 2^nd round

Bobby Wagner Late 2^nd round

Shea McClellin Mid 3^rd round

Middle Linebackers

Luke Kuechly Top 15

Dont’a Hightower 1st/2nd round

Mychal Kendricks Early 3rd round  

Cornerbacks

Morris Claiborne Top 10

Dre Kirkpatrick Top 20

Stephon Gilmore Late 1^st round

Janoris Jenkins Late 1^st round

Alfonzo Dennard Mid 2^nd round

Jayron Hosley Late 2^nd round

Brandon Boykin Late 2^nd round

Josh Robinson Late 2^nd round

Chase Minnifield Late 2^nd round

Trumaine Johnson 2^nd/3^rd round

Jamell Fleming Early 3^rd round

Casey Hayward Late 3^rd round

Dwight Bentley Late 3^rd round

Safeties

Mark Barron Late 1^st

Harrison Smith Late 2^nd

Markelle Martin Late 3^rd

George Iloka Late 3^rd