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Bruce Gradkowski’s return as the starting QB didn’t go as planned and now appears unlikely to last any longer than one game. On his final pass attempt, Bruce Gradkowski re-injured the shoulder that kept him out of action for five weeks. May…
The 3-1 Kansas City Chiefs face the daunting task of taking on one of the more explosive offensive teams in the NFL on Sunday. The Houston Texans come loaded with a legit quarterback, a young, powerful running back and one of the most elite wide receiv…
For the first seven years that the Houston Texans organization was in existence it strived and even took pride in having a locker room made up of role models.
A locker room that never publically complained no matter how many interceptions the quarterback threw.
The locker room that was void of any scandals on or off the field, and to be perfectly honest that is something to be proud of.
This gave them the most outstanding off the field presence for that period of time, however between the hashes; the Texans could just not perform. This uneventful phenomenon kept the Texans out of the national media for the most part, and hindered them from generating any real interest outside of the city of Houston.
Even within the boundaries of Harris County there thrived an indigenous faction of Titans and Cowboys faithful.
During this seven year span with two separate coaching regimes, they earned not even one winning season and the two best seasons they barely squeaked in at 8-8. Over the entire seven years between the 2002 and the 2008 season the Texans only won 39 out of the 112 games they played, a subpar 34-percent win ratio.
The Texans we labeled by media and competition as a “finesse team”. In other words soft. All the while owner Bob McNair laid down a precedence of seeking high character acquisitions and additions to the roster.
Now let’s fast forward to the 2009 offseason.
Suddenly the Texans current coaching staff including head coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith are looking at a make or break season ahead of them. They have been called out by fans, media, players, and ownership publically.
“We expect a winning season, and nothing less than a run at the playoffs”, resounds the mob.
It was no secret their jobs were on the line, and the realization hit that what they had been doing up till this point was not working.
Try to imagine those closed door meetings in Reliant Stadium that offseason, the culture started to shift ever so slightly.
Shift to the dark side.
First, the Texans dismiss defensive coordinator Richard Smith, defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin. Then they replace them with Frank Bush as coordinator to bring in a system spilling over with aggression. His systems elaborate blitz packages put opposing quarterbacks on their heels, and forced them to respect the Texans pass rush for the first time in history.
Next, bring in David Gibbs to develop and agitate the defensive backs. Like poking a stick at a bee hive and then herding them in the same direction.
Finally, they replace the defensive line coach with the extreme Bill Kohler. This is a man who will stand toe to toe and stare down a 6’5”, 300 pound defensive end and the end will always blink first.
These three men began to lobby for the players they wanted to add to the roster.
Gem number one they sign, after only one visit, defensive end Antonio Smith. Acquired from Arizona fresh off a superbowl run where he stood out as a wrecking ball in the playoffs. Smith is notorious for late hits after the whistle, and cheap shots in the pile.
During the 2009 season second loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Smith amassed two 15 yard personal fouls giving the cults two first downs ending both drives in a score.
This all out passion without regard caused opposing teams to take the defensive line seriously, and changed the identity of the entire unit to a line that would not be pushed around anymore.
Second they draft the “work out horse” Brian Cushing in the first round of the 2009 draft. A huge, mean, strong, oh yea…did I say mean linebacker from USC.
His aggressive behavior on the field catapulted him to the team’s leading tackler, and the AFC defensive rookie of the year. Even when injured to badly to practice he would show up on Sunday and make crucial plays.
Cushing’s aggressive behavior needs to be regulated while he is not on the field, so he stays in the gym where the only things in fear are weights, and any fool dumb enough to spar with him.
Cushing’s greatest off the field contribution to the Texans, the organizations first real scandal. Cushing is suspended for a “non steroidal” banned substance by the league.
He will sit out the first four games of the 2010 season, for testing positive to a substance known for masking the effects of steroids, and nobody is surprised. That is, except of course, Brian Cushing himself.
Are thousands of fans disappointed? Yes, however before Cushing there weren’t really that many Texans fans to disappoint.
Third, the Texans sign disenfranchised on the streets strong safety Bernard Pollard.
I know what your asking, isn’t that the guy that ended Tom Brady’s 2008 season. Why yes it is, and he is reunited with defensive backs coach David Gibbs.
When Pollard showed up on the team they were the second worst team in the league at stopping the run at number 31. After only three weeks of him being there they were number 18 and climbing fast. What were the chiefs thinking when they cut this beast.
Oh yea, he had a lot of “character issues” in Kansas City. During 2009 season at the end of a four game losing streak, Pollard publically called out the team in the media. Not something that the previous group of boy scouts would ever do.
In the game against the St Louis Rams he defiantly made his point to pro ball running back Steven Jackson. Knocking Jacksons helmet off in an offsetting penalty brawl, ending in the running back needing attention to his split lip.
In the season finally against the New England Patriots he scored a touchdown off a fumble recovery, and picked off Tom Brady bringing out the offence to take the first lead of the game. This interception opened the door for the Texans to bless their fans with the first winning season in franchise history.
Now fast forward once again to the 2010 offseason, it seems that the dialog around the Texans when discussing players is not in the lines of “he’s a good kid” any more.
Now it’s “he brings a toughness to the team”, a “mean streak to the defense”, and even “a force to move the pile on the offence”.
Every draft pick chosen in the 2010 draft was not picked because of their great contributions to the community, or their eloquence in speech. But because they will come up and hit you, or they are a hard one cut down hill runner, or because their aggressiveness intrigued the coaches.
The organization’s priorities have shifted, for better or worse. Wining will do that to a team. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the André Johnsons’, and the DeMeco Ryans’, of the team could teach these aggressive young men how to be fierce as worriers on the field, and bringers of hope off the field like they themselves have become.
Then, at that moment, the Texans would truly be a winning organization.
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Brandon Marshall’s Trade Effects First Round Layout
When the Denver Broncos traded Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins they did three things:
1) They left the door open for former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant.
2) Made any other team interested in Dez Bryant think they need to get higher than No. 11.
3) Took the Dolphins out of the market for a first round receiver.
Taking all of that into account, one must realize the effect this could have in the first round. Now the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Cleveland Browns are all teams to watch for movement at the bottom of the first or early second round.
With the Broncos interested in Dez Bryant, I think someone will reach and try to trade above them to grab him. Possibly the Pittsburgh Steelers, if they think they need to replace Santonio Holmes with someone who could start immediately. The Jacksonville Jaguars could take him at No. 10 since their receiving core isn’t much to call home about and he’d represent decent value in that slot.
Well, without further ado, let’s take a look at the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Round One, Pick One: St Louis Rams – QB Sam Bradford
For obvious reasons Bradford is the choice. When the Rams released Marc Bulger they tipped their hand too much in my opinion. They need someone who can come in and maximize the lack of talent they have besides Stephen Jackson on offense.
Though some think Jimmy Clausen is the more NFL-ready prospect, Bradford has more potential. The Rams are hoping this will be their last time choosing in the top five picks for a few years, so they take the franchise QB they desperately need.
Other Possibilities: None
Round One, Pick Two: Detroit Lions – DT Ndamukong Suh
For once, the Lions get the best player in the draft, and he’s on defense . No surprise WR pick or anything fancy here, just the good ol’ Best-Player-Available strategy. After showing the entire NFL what he could do with Albert Haynesworth and the Tennessee Titans defense, Jim Schwartz gets a younger, quicker version of Haynesworth to anchor his rebuilding of the Lions defensive line.
Pairing Suh with Corey Williams would give the Lions 4-3 defense a mean look on the inside. Vanden Bosch will also benefit greatly from Suh’s arrival.
Other Possibilities: DT Gerald McCoy, LT Russell Okung
Round One, Pick Three: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DT Gerald McCoy
McCoy has been compared to Warren Sapp with his playing style. You don’t have to say that too many times before the Bucs start paying attention.
McCoy is tailor-made to play DT in their cover two defense and would instantly become their most talented lineman. Though they may consider drafting Eric Berry, McCoy fills a bigger hole at a higher position value for the Np. 3 pick.
Other Possibilities: None, in my opinion.
Round One, Pick Four: Washington Redskins – LT Trent Williams
Trent Williams reminds me a bit of Ryan Clady when he came out in the draft. After picking up McNabb from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Redskins need to keep him in one piece. Williams is a better fit for Mike Shannahan’s zone-blocking schemes than Okung as well.
Jason Campbell will be traded for a third or fourth rounder to someone (possibly the Minnesota Vikings who have been rumored to be shopping Rosenfels and Jackson) during the draft.
Other Possibilities: QB Jimmy Clausen (then trade him), LT Russell Okung, S Eric Berry
Round One, Pick Five: Kansas City Chiefs – RB C.J. Spiller
The Chiefs let Larry Johnson walk last season and it paid off. Though Jamaal Charles proved he can play with the big boys, he’s not an every down type back. Picking up Spiller to pair with Charles would give the Chiefs a potent one-two punch at RB. Either way, the Chiefs offense desperately needs playmakers and Spiller is exactly that.
Though Berry would be an option, I can’t see Scott Pioli willing to spend No. 5 on a safety. He can get a guy in the second round like Nate Allen or possibly Taylor Mays and have two upgrades. Russell Okung may receive small consideration here as well.
Other Possibilities: S Eric Berry, LT Russell Okung, MLB Rolando McClain
Round One, Pick Six: Seattle Seahawks – LT Russell Okung
The Seahawks are another team that may be interested in Eric Berry but have a more pressing need. With the retirement of Walter Jones (who most likely wasn’t interested in being part of a rebuilding team), the Seahawks have a glaring hole at LT. Okung is possibly the best OT in the draft and the Seahawks would be glad to pick him up at with the sixth pick.
Other Possibilities: OT/OG Bryan Bulaga, OT Mike Iupati, S Eric Berry
Round One, Pick Seven: Cleveland Browns – TRADE ALERT, TRADE ALERT- San Francisco 49ers are on the clock!
The 49ers select QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
The Browns trade the seventh overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers for the 17th pick, the 15th pick in the third round, and a 2011 first round pick,
This trade makes sense on so many levels. The 49ers could keep the 13th pick to upgrade their defense and get their franchise QB. No one can look at me with a straight face and tell me that the 49ers are happy with Alex Smith and David Carr as their QBs.
Clausen would be an instant upgrade over either of them. He’s a true franchise QB and would bring some excitement to the Bay Area. The 49ers owe it to their fans to try to upgrade at QB. With Crabtree, Gore, Morgan, and Ginn, Clausen would complete an offense with breakout potential. Gore can’t continue to carry this team forever and his mileage is getting up there.
Other Possibilities: Browns keep the pick and choose S Eric Berry
Round One, Pick Eight: Oakland Raiders – OT/OG Mike Iupati
Though Bruce Campbell is often slotted here, for once Tom Cable will get his say in the draft room. Iupati is a perfect fit to play OT in Cable’s scheme. He’d automatically become a starter and has the potential to be a book-end OT for the next decade.
With facing Dumervil, Merriman, and Tyson Jackson twice a year, the Raiders realize they have to upgrade their QB protection.
Other Possibilities: OT Bryan Bulaga, S Eric Berry
Round One, Pick Nine: Bills – TRADE ALERT, TRADE ALERT – Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock!
The Eagles select S Eric Berry, Texas
Bills get the 24th pick, a second round pick (via Redskins), and a third round pick (via Seahawks).
The Eagles see Berry fall to No. 9 and run to scoop him up. Berry would step in and upgrade the Eagles defense across the board. Possibly a top five pick, Berry falls because of the low premium placed on the safety position.
Other Possibilities: Bills keep the pick and choose either S Eric Berry or DT Dan Williams
Round One, Pick 10: Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Joe Haden
Though McClain is a possibility, the Jags can’t pass on a chance to draft a potential shut-down corner in a division with Peyton Manning. Haden would team up with Rashean Mathis to give the Jags a lethal CB duo.
Other Possibilities: MLB Rolando McClain
Round One, Pick 11: Denver Broncos – MLB Rolando McClain
The fit is perfect, with Andra Davis gone, McClain already has a set role to step into in the Broncos 3-4 defense. He’d be a significant upgrade in run support and has the tenacity to become a great MLB with the proper work ethic. Though the Broncos could opt for help on the offensive line, McClain is too significant an upgrade to pass on at No. 11.
Other Possibilities: OG Bryan Bulaga, OC Maurkice Pouncey
Round One, Pick 12: Miami Dolphins – DT Dan Williams
The Dolphins need an upgrade at NT and Williams is the best one in the draft, as good if not better than Raji was coming out last year. Dan Williams is exactly the blue-collar, hard-working, tough-nosed DT Parcells loves on his defense.
Other Possibilities: DE Derrick Morgan, WR Dez Bryant (paired with Marshall that could be lethal)
Round One, Pick 13: San Francisco 49ers – OT/OG Bryan Bulaga
After picking up their franchise QB, they invest in a player to protect him. Bulaga has been anywhere from the end of round one to the top five which makes him hard to predict. His ability to play either OG or OT is a big plus, and with Smiley’s inconsistency, Bulaga could come in and replace him or Snyder at RT.
Other Possibilities: DE Derrick Morgan, DE Jason Pierre-Paul
Round One, Pick 14: Seattle Seahawks – DE Everson Griffin
Pete Carroll reaches for one of his own players. With the retirement of Patrick Kerney, the Seahawks have a huge hole to fill on their defensive line. Though Pierre-Paul and Derrick Morgan are better prospects, Carroll already knows what to do to utilize Griffin’s talents.
Other Possibilities: WR Dez Bryant, DE Derrick Morgan, DE Jason Pierre-Paul
Round One, Pick 15: New York Giants – OT Bruce Campbell
Kareem McKenzie took a huge step backwards last season and Guy Whimper isn’t the future (which saddens me to say because I’m from Havelock, NC and went to high school with him). Campbell is by far the most athletic OT in the draft and has the tools you look for in a franchise LT. Pairing him with Beatty could potentially give the Giants a set of bookend OTs moving into the future.
Other Possibilities: S Taylor Mays, CB Kyle Wilson, OC Maurkice Pouncey
Round One, Pick 16: Tennessee Titans – DE Jason Pierre-Paul
The Titans need talent on their defensive line. After losing Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch in back-to-back seasons, the Titans have no choice but to select a DE in the first round. Derrick Morgan is an option here as well but Pierre-Paul’s potential proves to be enough to make the Titans go that route.
Other Possibilities: DE Derrick Morgan, DE Brandon Graham, CB Kyle Wilson
Round One, Pick 17: Cleveland Browns – Trade Alert, Trade Alert – Texans are now on the Clock!
Texans select S Earl Thomas, Texas
With a worry in their mind that the Falcons or Steelers might be poised to select Thomas, the Texans make a move up a few spots to get the man they want. Thomas would pair with Bernard Pollard to give the Texans one of the best 1-2 safety duos in the NFL. Throwing their first rounder together with a third this year and next year should get the deal done.
Other Possibilities: S Taylor Mays, depends who the Texans decide to target. The Bills could also keep the pick and draft DT Terrence Cody.
Round One, Pick 18: Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Anthony Davis
After seeing the Texans snatch Thomas out of their claws, the Steelers go with the next best upgrade and improve their offensive line. Davis is another player whose draft stock has fluctuated throughout the first round, but the Steelers would be glad to get their hands on him. Could play either OT or OG which is a huge bonus to a Steelers line with several holes.
Other Possibilities: S Taylor Mays, CB Kyle Wison, OC Maurkice Pouncey
Round One, Pick 19: Atlanta Falcons – WR Dez Bryant
After seeing their offense take a step backwards last season, the Falcons bring in arguably the best receiver in the draft to pair with Roddy White. Moving Jenkins into the slot with Tony Gonzalez still around would give QB Matt Ryan the best receiving arsenal he’s had so far in his short career. Turner would appreciate the respect teams would have to pay to the passing game as well which would take some of the pressure of him.
Other Possibilities: CB Kyle Wilson, CB Devin McCourty, S Taylor Mays
Round One, Pick 20: Cleveland Browns – QB Colt McCoy
Unable to find another partner to trade down further, Mike Holmgren makes his move to get his man and picks up three third rounders and a first rounder next year in the process of doing so. (Third rounder from the 49ers, third rounder from the Texans, and a first and third rounder in the 2011 draft).
Colt McCoy is exactly the type of QB that Holmgren needs to build his offense. With Jake Delhomme to tutor him for a year and take the beating while Holmgren upgrades the roster, McCoy could sit comfortably on the bench for a season and learn the offense. The Browns want Colt McCoy, it’s just a matter of when they are going to be able to draft him.
Other Possibilities: DE Derrick Morgan, OLB Sergio Kindle, S Taylor Mays
Round One, Pick 21: Cincinnati Bengals – TE Jermaine Gresham
The only offensive piece the Bengals truly lack is a threat at TE. Gresham is easily the best TE in the draft and the Bengals will be glad to have him. Capable of making catches and blocking, Gresham is the type of TE that could take the Bengals offense to another level.
Other Possibilities: DT Jared Odrick, LB Sergio Kindle, S Taylor Mays
Round One, Pick 22: New England Patriots – DE Derrick Morgan
The Patriots have their replacement for Richard Seymour fall right into their laps. If Gresham was on the board he’d be the obvious choice; however, he was just drafted in my mock. Another person of interest to the Patriots might be Golden Tate. They’ve been linked to both Bryant and Thomas this off season and with Randy Moss on his way out, they may be looking towards the future.
Other Possibilities: DE Brandon Graham, LB Sergio Kindle, CB Kyle Wilson
Round One, Pick 23: Green Bay Packers – CB Devin McCourty
Al Harris and Charles Woodson are both on the back end of their careers. With McCourty, the Packers have a chance to grab the best pure man-coverage corner in the draft. McCourty would instantly contribute in the nickel and give the Packers some insurance in case either Woodson or Harris gets injured.
Other Possibilities: DE Brandon Graham, LB Sergio Kindle, RB Ryan Matthews
Round One, Pick 24: Buffallo Bills – DT Terrence Cody
The Bills move down and still get their target while picking up valuable picks to help rebuild the roster. (Round 1 Pick 24, Round 2 Pick 5 and, Round 3 Pick 7).
Though Cody clearly carries a high risk, he also has a high reward possibility. If he can slim down a bit and get in better shape, he could become an elite NT at the NFL level. His size is colossal and he’s precisely the man the Bills need to anchor their shift to the 3-4 defense.
Other Possibilities: DE Brandon Graham, OLB Sergio Kindle, S Taylor Mays
Round One, Pick 25; Baltimore Ravens – DT Jared Odrick
After seeing both Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan walk this off-season, the Ravens need to retool their defensive line. Odrick is the perfect fit to play DE in the Ravens attack 3-4 scheme. He’s probably the easiest to predict pick if he’s on the board when the Ravens draft.
Other Possibilities: MLB Sean Weatherspoon, LB Sergio Kindle, S Taylor Mays
Round One, Pick 26: Arizona Cardinals – TRADE ALERT, TRADE ALERT – Denver Broncos are on the clock!
Broncos select OC Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
The Cardinals trade the 26th pick to the Broncos for a second round pick (via Dolphins), and the Broncos first rounder in 2011.
The Broncos trade off next year’s first rounder to get the best center in the draft this year. Pouncey fills a huge hole on the Broncos roster and instantly becomes the starter. With the potential and ability to play the center position for years to come, next year’s first is a small price to pay for this year’s success.
Other Possibilities: WR Demaryius Thomas, S Taylor Mays, LB Sergio Kindle
Round One, Pick 27: Dallas Cowboys – OT Charles Brown
The Cowboys choose the OT left on the board. After allowing Flozell Adams to walk this off season, the Cowboys need to find someone to replace him. Robert Brewster could step up and play, as could Doug Free, but Brown would give the Cowboys a potential franchise LT they don’t have on the roster at this time.
Other Possibilities: DE Brandon Graham, LB Sergio Kindle, S Taylor Mays
Round One, Pick 28: San Diego Chargers – RB Ryan Matthews
With Darren Sproles only under contract this season at a hefty price tag, the Chargers look for their future back in the first round. Matthews is the best back in this year’s draft. Pairing him with Sproles’ big play ability will help balance the Chargers offensive game plan. This may be Norv Turner’s last chance to prove he has what it takes to take the Chargers all the way, and Matthews is his best option at 28.
Other Possibilities: S Taylor Mays, CB Kyle Wilson (after moving Antonio Cromartie to the Jets), DE Brandon Graham
Round One, Pick 29 – New York Jets- DT/DE Brian Price
To the heartbreak of Colts fans everywhere, the Jets choose Brian Price. He’s the perfect fit to play DT in 4-3 setups and DE in Ryan’s 3-4 defense. Price would come in and compete with an aging Marques Douglas at RE.
Other Possibilities: Anything. This is Rex Ryan, so you never know what in the world he’s thinking.
Round One, Pick 30: Minnesota Vikings – S Taylor Mays
Though the Vikings might give some thought to Tim Tebow or maybe Brandon Graham, but Mays would be a significant upgrade over Madieu Williams at FS. The Vikings watched their defense get torn apart again and again by the Saints and realize they need to either upgrade at CB or S this off season.
With McCourty off the board, Wilson is the only other CB worth consideration here. Mays however, was once thought of as a Top 15 pick, so getting him at No. 30 would represent great value at a position of need.
Other Possibilities: CB Kyle Wilson, LB Sean Weatherspoon, QB Tim Tebow
Round One, Pick 31: Indianapolis Colts -CB Kyle Wilson
With Jerraud Powers and Kelvin Hayden currently the starters, the Colts would like to upgrade the talent in their secondary. With Price off the board and Cam Nelson a reach at No. 31, the Colts opt to pick up Wilson. Though his coverage skills need some polishing, he excels in the zone showing great closing speed and proper angles. He’s a good tackler at the CB position and puts himself in good position. Great overall upgrade for the Colts at this point in the draft.
Other Possibilities: DT Can Thomas, OLB Sergio Kindle, LB Sean Weatherspoon
Round One, Pick 32: New Orleans Saints – DE Brandon Graham
After seeing Charles Grant walk this off-season, the Saints find his replacement with the final pick in Round One. Graham is a top 15 talent in an amazingly deep draft class. Though LB Sean Weatherspoon or LB Sergio Kindle may make sense in the wake of Scott Fujita’s departure, Graham at No. 32 represents too good a player with too much value to pass up.
Other Possibilities: LB Sean Weatherspoon, LB Sergio Kindle, S Nate Allen
Thank you all for taking the time to check out my mock draft. Please feel free to leave comments or feedback and make sure you follow me on Twitter as well.
Broncosfan28532 or Erick Spalti should find me, I’m new to the Twitter thing but I’ll figure it out.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
This mock draft includes many changes from my previous mock draft, and the Steelers trading Santonio Holmes to the Jets and the Broncos trading Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins shakes things up even more.
1. St. Louis Rams—Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Bradford threw 63-for-64 at his Pro Day, and the only incomplete pass was because of a receiver dropping a pass. The Rams were impressed, so there’s really no reason for them to pass on him since they cut Marc Bulger. This is the guy of the future.
Other Possible Picks: Jimmy Clausen, QB
2. Detroit Lions—Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
The Lions would be wise to draft Russell Okung, but they won’t likely do it since they traded a fifth-round pick to Seattle for Rob Sims, so that pretty much rules out the possibility of sliding Jeff Backus to left guard. Drafting Suh makes no sense since Sammie Lee Hill had a great rookie season and Corey Williams was acquired in a trade.
Other Possible Picks: Gerald McCoy, DT; Russell Okung, T
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
It appears that the Bucs will be getting an instant impact defensive tackle in the first round whether it’s Suh or McCoy assuming the Rams draft a QB. If the Lions decided to draft McCoy, the Bucs would be stoked, and it’s possible the Lions may go that route.
Other Possible Picks: Ndamukong Suh, DT; Eric Berry, S
4. Washington Redskins—Russell Okung, T, Oklahoma State
This pick was going to be Jimmy Clausen, but the Redskins got Donovan McNabb in a trade, so Mike Shanahan will likely want a tackle, and that would be wise since they don’t have another pick until the fourth round. McNabb cost high draft picks. Okung would be a huge upgrade over Stephon Heyer and would make an immediate impact at left tackle. Picking Okung may make the Redskins a playoff sleeper.
Other Possible Picks: Trent Williams, T; Bryan Bulaga, T
5. Kansas City Chiefs—Trent Williams, T, Oklahoma
Many people are expecting this pick to be Eric Berry, but that’s not how Scott Pioli drafts. He drafts for positional value even if it means reaching. He reached for Tyson Jackson with the third overall pick last year. Williams erased doubts about his athleticism and ability to play left tackle at the Combine by running a 4.88. The Chiefs have already fixed holes at guard and center by signing Ryan Lilja and Casey Wiegmann, and drafting Williams and moving Branden Albert to right tackle completes the fixing of the offensive line.
Other Possible Picks: Bryan Bulaga, T; Eric Berry, S
6. Seattle Seahawks—Bryan Bulaga, T, Iowa
There have been rumors of Walter Jones returning in 2010, but even if he does, the Seahawks would be dumb to rely on him to stay healthy for a full season, and Sean Locklear isn’t fit to take over at left tackle. Bulaga is a zone-blocking tackle, so he’d fit the Seahawks’ scheme perfectly. Taking Eric Berry is really tempting, but protecting Hasselbeck should be the first priority, and there’s plenty of safeties to choose from with the 14th pick.
Other Possible Picks: Eric Berry, S; Trent Williams, T
Pick change; previously Eric Berry, S
7. Cleveland Browns—Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
If Berry falls to the Browns, this should be an easy pick. Their pass defense is a mess, and Berry is the playmaker that the Browns could use.
Other Possible Picks: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB; Dez Bryant, WR
Pick Change; previously Dez Bryant, WR
8. Oakland Raiders—Bruce Campbell, T, Maryland
Campbell excited Al Davis at the Combine by running a 4.88 and benching 34 reps. Davis loves players that run fast 40 times and post great workout numbers even if their tape is questionable. The Raiders have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, so a tackle will most likely be drafted by the Raiders.
Other Possible Picks: Trent Williams, T; Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB
9. Buffalo Bills—Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
The Bills are looking for a new franchise QB, and they’re lucky that the Redskins traded for McNabb because that probably means that Clausen will fall to them.
Other Possible Picks: Trent Williams, T; Bryan Bulaga, T
10. Jacksonville Jaguars—Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Even though the Jaguars signed Aaron Kampman, their defensive line depth is still thin, and Kampman is still shaken up from his ACL tear. The Jaguars signed Tra Thomas before last year’s draft and still spent their first two picks on Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, so don’t be surprised if they draft Morgan.
Other Possible Picks: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB; Joe Haden, CB
11. Denver Broncos (from Seattle)—Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
This pick should be a no-brainer. Andra Davis was cut, and McClain would fit perfectly in the Broncos’ 3-4 scheme.
Other Possible Picks: Dez Bryant, WR; Dan Williams, DT
12. Miami Dolphins—Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
The Dolphins need a nose tackle badly, and nose tackles are scarce in this draft. They just traded for Brandon Marshall, so they will definitely not be drafting a wide receiver in the first round.
Other Possible Picks: Sergio Kindle, DE/LB; Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB
13. San Francisco 49ers—Joe Haden, CB, Florida
If the 49ers actually get Haden, he’ll be a steal because he has top 10 talent. The 49ers have problems in their secondary, and Haden would provide the 49ers with a play-maker, and he’s a winner, which is another trait that Singletary looks for.
Other Possible Picks: Taylor Mays, S; Earl Thomas, S
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)—Taylor Mays, S, USC
The Seahawks need a safety badly. Jamar Adams is the only strong safety on the roster, and the pass defense struggled greatly last year. Carroll is familiar with Mays and knows how much upside he has to offer even though he received criticism for his pass coverage abilities. He redeemed himself at the Combine, so don’t be surprised if Carroll pulls the trigger on Mays.
Other Possible Picks: Dez Bryant, WR; C.J. Spiller, RB
Pick change; previously Bryan Bulaga, T
15. New York Giants—C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
The Giants need depth at running back since Brandon Jacobs is injury-prone and Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent. Even if Bradshaw returns, the Giants still need an explosive presence to make a perfect trio. Jerry Reese usually drafts the best player available that fills a need.
Other Possible Picks: Sean Weatherspoon, LB; Derrick Morgan, DE
16. Tennessee Titans—Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB, South Florida
Pierre-Paul ran a 4.6 at the Combine and did 23 backflips. He has a lot of bust potential to go with his upside, though. The Titans need a defensive end since they lost Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse to free agency. Whoever takes Pierre-Paul will need to draft him with caution.
Other Possible Picks: Everson Griffen, DE; Carlos Dunlap, DE
17. San Francisco 49ers—Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
The 49ers need to add depth to their offensive line. Iupati can provide versatility since he can play both guard and right tackle, and he had a great Senior Bowl and Combine, so his upside is hard to pass up.
Other Possible Picks: Anthony Davis, T; Taylor Mays, S
Pick change; previously Anthony Davis, T
18. Pittsburgh Steelers—Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Bryant’s stock is reportedly falling, and the Steelers are lucky since they just traded Santonio Holmes, and now they need a replacement. Bryant has a lot of upside, but he may need time to adjust to the pro-style offense. His “character concerns” are bogus since he only gets labelled that way because of the communist NCAA, and those reports of him often being late to team functions can’t be proven and may just be sabotaging his reputation.
Other Possible Picks: Golden Tate, WR; Mike Iupati, G
Pick change; previously Mike Iupati, G
19. Atlanta Falcons—Brandon Graham, DE/LB, Michigan
Thomas Dimitroff places emphasis on positional value, so he will either take Graham or Sean Weatherspoon. I’m going with Graham because defensive end is the Falcons’ biggest need and a more important position than linebacker. He drafted the two most important positions in 2008 with the first two picks: quarterback and left tackle.
Other Possible Picks: Sean Weatherspoon, LB; Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB
20. Houston Texans—Earl Thomas, S, Texas
The Texans need help in the secondary whether it’s at free safety or cornerback. Bernard Pollard proved to be a great addition at strong safety, so taking Thomas would greatly improve the secondary.
Other Possible Picks: Kyle Wilson, CB; Taylor Mays, S
21. Cincinnati Bengals—Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
The Bengals never seemed to care much about the tight end position, but with all the injuries last season, they will be taking a hard look at Gresham, who has the receiving skills to give Palmer another weapon to throw to.
Other Possible Picks: Taylor Mays, S; Dez Bryant, WR
Pick change; previously Taylor Mays, S
22. New England Patriots—Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
The Patriots need depth at wide receiver considering Wes Welker won’t be fully healthy at the beginning of the 2010 season, and Randy Moss is slacking and entering the final year of his contract. Tight end is a big need as well, but since Gresham is off the board, I’m going with a wide receiver.
Other Possible Picks: Jermaine Gresham, TE; Ryan Mathews, RB
Pick change; previously Jermaine Gresham, TE
23. Green Bay Packers—Charles Brown, T, USC
The Packers re-signed Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, but they still need depth at tackle. Clifton and Tauscher are injury-prone, and they were signed to short-term deals, so that sends out a signal that the Packers intend to draft a tackle early.
Other Possible Picks: Kyle Wilson, CB; Taylor Mays, S
24. Philadelphia Eagles—Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
The Eagles traded Sheldon Brown, and they often draft cornerbacks early in the draft, so this pick should be an easy one. Wilson had an incredible Senior Bowl and Combine.
Other Possible Picks: Taylor Mays, S; Mike Iupati, G
25. Baltimore Ravens—Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State
The Ravens need depth on the defensive line since Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards are gone, and Trevor Pryce is aging. According Yahoo! Sports rumors, the Ravens want him if he falls to them, and that sounds like Ozzie Newsome’s draft strategy.
Other Possible Picks: Kyle Wilson, CB; Jermaine Gresham, TE
26. Arizona Cardinals—Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
Weatherspoon displayed great leadership skills at the Senior Bowl and Combine, and he has the kind of talent that the Cardinals could use to replace Karlos Dansby.
Other Possible Picks: Anthony Davis, T; Brandon Spikes, LB
27. Dallas Cowboys—Anthony Davis, T, Rutgers
The Cowboys released Flozell Adams, so they will likely aim to draft a left tackle, and even though Davis has work ethic and character concerns, the Cowboys don’t take that into consideration very much, and Davis has a lot of talent.
Other Possible Picks: Mike Iupati, G; Maurkice Pouncey, C/G
Pick change; previously Maurkice Pouncey, C/G
28. San Diego Chargers—Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
The Chargers need a running back, but they also need a nose tackle, and there will be plenty of running backs available in the second round, but after Cody is gone, there won’t be very many nose tackles that fit the Chargers’ scheme.
Other Possible Picks: Ryan Mathews, RB; Toby Gerhart, RB
29. New York Jets—Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas
The Jets addressed their need at wide receiver by trading for Santonio Holmes, so now their biggest priority is at outside linebacker, and even though the Jets are talking to Jason Taylor, he’ll probably sign only a one-year deal since he’s nearing retirement, so they’ll need more depth, and Vernon Gholston hasn’t gotten a sack in his career.
Other Possible Picks: Jerry Hughes, DE/LB; Jared Odrick, DE/DT
Pick change; previously Golden Tate, WR
30. Minnesota Vikings—Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
The Vikings struggled in run blocking last season, and that’s part of what cost them the NFC Championship. Steve Hutchinson is aging, and John Sullivan and Anthony Herrera were average at best. Pouncey has versatility since he can play both center and either side of the guard position.
Other Possible Picks: Brian Price, DT; Jared Odrick, DE/DT
Pick change; previously Brian Price, DT
31. Indianapolis Colts—Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana
Bill Polian blamed the offensive line for the Colts’ Super Bowl loss, so that’s likely what he’ll draft in the first round. Charlie Johnson isn’t a franchise left tackle and Tony Ugoh isn’t very good. Saffold had an incredible Combine, so he’s now considered to possibly be a first-round pick.
Other Possible Picks: Charles Brown, T; Maurkice Pouncey, C/G
32. New Orleans Saints—Jerry Hughes, DE/LB, TCU
The Saints let Scott Fujita and Charles Grant go, so defensive end and outside linebacker are the biggest priorities, and Hughes can kill two birds with one stone. The Saints like to play both 4-3 or 3-4. He’ll need to bulk up to play 4-3 defensive end though.
Other Possible Picks: Sergio Kindle, DE/LB; Brian Price, DT
Pick change; previously Sergio Kindle, DE/LB
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