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With April comes my favorite off-season TV event, the NFL Draft. Here’s a look at what could happen in the 1st round this Thursday night:
- St. Louis Rams– Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford: I’ve been a supporter of the Rams taking Bradford since the beginning. Barring a trade or a failure in contract negotiations, Bradford will be the first one called this Thursday.
- Detroit Lions– Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh: He has been heralded as the ‘golden boy’ since Day 1 and has to do a lot to match the enormous expectations. Suh has the chance to make an immediate impact, and will excite the Detroit faithful.
- Tampa Bay Bucs- Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy: McCoy said his favorite part of the draft process has been meeting Warren Sapp, now Bucs fans are hoping he’ll be the NEXT Sapp.
- Washington Redskins– Oklahoma St. OT Russell Okung: Now that they’ve addressed QB with the acquisition of Donovan McNabb, they have the luxury of replacing Chris Samuels.
- Kansas City Chiefs– Tennessee FS Eric Berry: While reaching for an OT is definitely an option here, Berry provides the defense with the draft’s best playmaker.
- Seattle Seahawks– Oklahoma OT Trent Williams: The need for Jimmy Clausen at No. 6 was eliminated by the acquisition of unproven QB Charlie Whitehurst. Walter Jones is way past old, and Pete Carroll recognizes the importance of a good O-Line.
- Cleveland Browns– Clemson RB CJ Spiller: Look for the Browns to either trade up or trade back, depending on how the top of the draft goes. The Browns have a lot of holes to fill; Spiller provides a dangerous weapon out of the backfield and on special teams.
- Oakland Raiders– Maryland OT Bruce Campbell: Can Al Davis really be this dumb? Yes. He takes another “Workout Warrior” from Maryland, joining ’09 Darrius Heyward-Bey.
- Buffalo Bills– Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen: Some people believe Clausen will take a Brady Quinn-esque plunge; I’m not so sure the Bills will let him slip by. He declined an invitation to be at the draft, so maybe he doesn’t want to be stuck in the green room all night.
- Jacksonville Jaguars- Alabama LB Rolando McClain: Adding a DE just doesn’t make sense for the Jaguars. Recent acquisition Aaron Kampman will team up with past 1st round pick Derrick Harvey to jump-start the pass rush; McClain give the Jags a talented and capable playmaker on D.
- Denver Broncos– Texas FS Earl Thomas: Head Coach Josh McDaniels has been making moves from Day 1, and is certainly willing to cut anyone loose who isn’t down the “team” concept. Safety Brian Dawkins will takine Thomas under his wing, making him more disciplined, and turn him into a talented safety.
- Miami Dolphins- Tennessee DT Dan Williams: After making the big move to pick up WR Brandon Marshall, the Fins can now focus on the 3-4 building blocks. Williams has been moving up the draft boards for some time now, and is the most mature NT in the draft.
- San Francisco 49ers- Georgia Tech OLB/DE Derrick Morgan: Morgan slips a bit here, but the 49ers will be happy to scoop up this ‘tweener’, who will be counted on to ignite the stagnant pass-rush.
- Seattle Seahawks- Oklahoma St. WR Dez Bryant: Pete Carroll dealt with tons of high-maintenance players at USC, and gets top five talent at a reduced cost RB is another big need for the ‘Hawks, but will be able to take advantage of the deep RB class later in the draft.
- New York Giants- Florida CB Joe Haden: I can’t stand how much Haden has dropped due to his slow 40-yard dash times at the NFL Combine. Running in a straight line in your underwear is not football. However, the Giants will happily scoop him up and continue to bolster their secondary.
- Tennessee Titans- South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul: JP-P drops a bit here because teams are afraid of his inexperience. But, with Kyle Vanden Bosch off to Detroit, the Titans are happy to scoop up this athletic freak.
- San Francisco 49ers–Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga: I’m not sold on Bulaga turning into much more than a talented RT. The demand for OT’s may land him higher than here, but it doesn’t make sense. The more I see of him, the less sold I am of him becoming an impact LT in the NFL. Taking Bulaga will hopefully allow Alex Smith enough protection to get the ball to young studs Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.
- Pittsburgh Steelers- Idaho OG Mike Iupati: The Steelers have been under the microscope this off-season, dealing with the Roethlisberger headache while shipping off damaged goods to the Jets. Taylor Mays is a possibility here, but they go for luxury O-line depth.
- Atlanta Falcons- Mizzou OLB Sean Weatherspoon: He’s a high-character guy, which the NEW Atlanta Falcons value, and would provide them with a much needed defensive-playmaker.
- Houston Texans- Boise St. CB Kyle Wilson: Wilson has been gradually moving up draft boards for some time now. They must make up for the loss of free agent CB Dunta Robinson, and will also provide a spark on special teams.
- Cincinnati Bengals- Michigan OLB/DE Brandon Graham: Graham would provide this abysmal defensive line with a pass-rusher able to consistently get to the quarterback.
- New England Patriots- Texas OLB/DE Sergio Kindle: Kindle is supremely talented with minor blemishes on his record (DUI), but Bill Belicheck will undoubtedly fix all that. Kindle injects this veteran defensive unit with some much-needed life.
- Green Bay Packers- Rutgers OT Anthony Davis: Unless Davis or another OT/CB drops, I think the Packers will trade down. Any OT or CB they would take at this point would most likely be a stretch. OLB is an appealing option, but ranks lower on their needs list. OT should be the No. 1 priority, regardless of who they have currently on their roster.
- Philadelphia Eagles- Everson Griffen USC DE: The Eagles could really use another DE to work opposite Trent Cole. Griffen’s performance at the USC Pro Day could even move him up sooner in the draft. The acquisition of LB Ernie Sims make LB less of a problem.
- Baltimore Ravens- Penn State DE/DT Jared Odrick: The Ravens acquisition of Anquan Boldin has great affect on the defense as well, as they are now free to acquire defensive-line depth. Odrick is the ideal 3-4 DE, and will put some younger legs into this veteran unit.
- Arizona Cardinals- TCU OLB/DE Jerry Hughes: The recent signing of Jerry Porter will give Hughes somebody to study under, but they still need help. Hughes has the ability to explode to the QB; his bigger problem will be dropping into coverage. OT is another option here as they try to revamp post-Kurt Warner.
- Dallas Cowboys- Florida OG/C Maurkice Pouncey: Dallas finally put it all together last year, winning their 1st playoff game under Wade Phillips, and now have the luxury of acquiring a high-quality super sub in Pouncey. They need a new safety after releasing Ken Hamlin, but Taylor Mays is a Roy Williams clone, and would struggle in coverage.
- San Diego Chargers- Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews: Taking another speed back like Jahvid Best doesn’t really fit for the Chargers, as they need some impact running to couple with Darren Sproles’ speed. Matthews has gained the No. 2 spot on RB draft boards, and will work well in San Diego.
- New York Jets- Alabama NT Terrance Cody: The man they call “Mt. Cody” has been criticized for his weight, but has the potential to devour an inside running game. With Kris Jenkins recovering from surgery, the acquisition might become a necessity.
- Minnesota Vikings- UCLA DT Brian Price: The Vikes are fairly set on both sides of the ball, and are able to take Price as insurance to the Williams brothers plugging the middle of their D-line.
- Indianapolis Colts- Rutgers CB Devin McCourty: After losing CB’s Marlin Jackson and Tim Jennings to free agency, the Colts reach a little bit to take McCourty, who performed well at the Combine.
- New Orleans Saints- Florida DE Carlos Dunlap: After letting Charles Grant go, the Super Bowl Champs will take a risk on Dunlap, who’s talented enough to make an immediate impact.
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1. St. Loius Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
No change here. With Marc Bulger just released and the Rams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, Bradford looks like a lock to go #1.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
The latest reports claim that Detroit will not be taking an offensive tackle with their first round selection. If that’s true, the pick has to be either Suh or McCoy.
3. Tampa Bay Bucs: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Bucs reportedly just visited with Texas Tech guard Brandon Carter to ask him who was tougher to play against: Suh or McCoy. Obviously they have interest in both players, but only one will be left.
4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
This is a change from our last mock draft. Mike Shanahan’s scheme emphasizes quick, athletic linemen who can easily get to the next level of the defense. Williams is that guy.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Widely believed to love Iowa tackle Bryan Bulaga, the Chiefs will have a tough decision to make if Okung falls into their laps. They may still like Bulaga more, but Okung is higher on most boards.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
The more we think about how the draft will unfold, the more we see a string of offensive and defensive tackles being selected in the top 10 picks. The Seahawks are in position to simply sit back and grab whoever falls to them.
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
We recently heard both the Chiefs and Seahawks will pass on Berry, meaning Cleveland is free to get their guy. However, there are shocking rumors that the Browns are looking at Penn State DT/DE Jared Odrick here.
8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
We love the chances of Oakland drafting Trent Williams if he falls to the 8th pick, but we just don’t see it happening. Davis, a player with work ethic concerns, might be yet another Raiders flop. We do actually think they’ll pass on Maryland offensive tackle and workout-warrior Bruce Campbell.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Clausen is lucky. With Jacksonville, Denver, San Francisco and Seattle drafting shortly after Buffalo, we don’t see a Brady Quinn-esque draft day drop in store for him.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF
Jacksonville signed Aaron Kampman, but there are rumors that those within the organization still see upgrading the pass rush as the team’s No.1 draft day priority. Pierre-Paul has enormous athleticism and upside.
11. Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Tennessee DT Dan Williams is also an option here, but Denver may be unable to pass on McClain’s three-down ability.
12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
The Dolphins have a gaping hole at nose tackle, and Williams was born to play inside in a 3-4 defense. Unlike a lot of these 300-or-so pound defensive tackles, Williams isn’t a hair under 330. He may be the least talked-about potential top 10 selection.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Earl Thomas, S, Texas
We know Cowboys fans still think Thomas is a legitimate option, but there’s really very little chance of it happening. The 49ers could also select an offensive tackle here if one of the aforementioned ones drops.
14. Seattle Seahawks: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Marcus Trufant is one of the most overrated cornerbacks in the league, routinely among the worst in the NFL in yards-per-attempt yielded. Haden’s forty times could put him in a competition with Kyle Wilson to be the first CB drafted.
15. New York Giants: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
The Giants have been rumored to be seeking a trade into the top 10 to grab Spiller. While we think that is a bit unrealistic, the club could use his services with the oft-injured Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw in the backfield right now.
16. Tennessee Titans: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
We have Wilson as the top-rated cornerback in this class. Pairing him with Cortland Finnegan would give Tennessee one of the better cornerback tandems in the NFL.
To view Part II of our mock draft, visit DallasCowboysTimes.com or click here .
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Having seen all the turmoil surrounding the NFL Draft, pro days, combines, and everything else there is to throw at these players, I have been compelled to give my predictions on how the 2010 NFL Draft should go for the betterment of each franchise in the NFL. This draft is deep enough for every team to benefit from their selection and there is a very small difference from the number one player on the board to the 32nd .
St. Louis Rams – So who tops my board, at number one? You probably guessed it. No other than senior QB Sam Bradford from the University of Oklahoma; The 6’4”, 236 lb quarterback led the Sooners to a National Championship appearance his junior season, doing so with an assortment of average receivers and subpar running game.
Bradford (when healthy) has the best arm in this draft outside of Notre Dame standout Jimmy Claussen, but where Bradford edges out Claussen in his experience and resume in terms of competition level and results. Bradford played in a pass happy conference where he participated in many shootouts where he had to make throws to keep OU in the game. Bradford understands defenses and ball placement and is the best overall QB prospect in this draft.
Detroit Lions – Detroit got the anchor of their offense last year in QB Matthew Stafford from the University of Georgia, and as a rookie Stafford showed a lot of promise and emerged as a leader on this team. This year the Lions will want a similar type player on the defensive side of the ball and that is why they should select defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
At 6’4”, 300 lbs, and running a sub 4.9 40-yard dash, Suh has the strength and athleticism to be a wrecking force on the defensive side of the ball. Suh reminds a lot of people of Warren Sapp with his quickness and athleticism, but also has the mean streak and edginess that puts him ahead of Oklahoma Sooner DT Gerald McCoy.
In the Dr Pepper Big XII Championship Game, Suh showed how dominant he could be and the impact he could have on a game. Suh hounded Texas QB Colt McCoy the entire game keeping McCoy on the run and affecting the game plan of the Longhorns. Suh was a Heisman Trophy Candidate, Maxwell Award Winner, and was mentioned in just about every defensive player accolade. Suh has an assortment of moves that will keep offensive lineman in a state of confusion, the power to bulrush, and savvy enough to be a force against the running game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Buccaneers need help on the defensive side of the ball and may have to conduct a coin toss to decide which player to select in this April’s Draft. It comes down to either Tennessee S Eric Berry or Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy and I think the Buccaneers should select McCoy.
The Bucs have virtually no depth on the defensive line and need to bolster their pass rush. McCoy collected 32 total tackles and 6 sacks often facing two defenders.
Washington Redskins – And with the fourth pick in the NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins make plans to exit the Jason Campbell Era and move into the Jimmy Claussen era. Let’s face it. Campbell’s body of work is not impressive, he has weapons and clearly is just not getting it done.
The Washington Redskins should select Notre Dame QB Jimmy Claussen. Claussen had a tough time staying upright at Notre Dame and given protection I think Claussen can be an asset at the QB position. Though Claussens haven’t paned out well in the NFL thus far, THIS Claussen is far more polished than his predecessors.
Kansas City Chiefs – The Kansas Chiefs will find themselves in a perfect position to land Tennessee S Eric Berry . Berry is a ball hawking safety that has a nose for the football. Berry will give the Chiefs a much-needed boost in the secondary and is one of the better-looking athletes in this draft.
Berry has 22 pass deflections and 14 picks in his career at UT, 3 of which returned for VOLS touchdowns. Berry puts a lot of people in the mind of Brian Dawkins or Ed Reed, which to say the least are great names to be in company with.
Seattle Seahawks – With the recent signing of ex-Charger quarterback Charlie Whitehurst the Seahawks made the decision that they were not interested in taking a quarterback in the first draft of this year’s NFL Draft. Tackle Russell Okung from Oklahoma State University should be the right pick for the fans in Seattle.
Okung has sound fundamentals and is one of the strongest offensive line prospects in this class. He is one of the more polished having played significant time at OSU and has the meanest streak of all the offensive lineman. Okung will be instrumental in the Seahawks run and pass attack from opening day.
Cleveland Browns – The Cleveland Browns play in the AFC North, and the other teams in this division have been very busy. The Ravens went out and got Pro Bowl receiver Anquain Boldin, the Cincinnati Bengals are playing with the option of adding Terrell Owens to a roster that already boasts having Chad Ochocinco, the Steelers have Hines Ward and Mike Wallace coming on strong, so it only makes sense for the Browns to take Florida CB Joe Haden* .
Haden is rated as the top corner in this class and is physical on the ball responsible for holding some of the premiere receivers in the game to mediocre performances. (See AJ Green/ Julio Jones) Haden’s combine raised eyebrows after the Gator clocked a high 4.5 40 yard dash and if can’t improve on that at his Pro Day look for Haden to do a Brady Quinn-esque slide down the draft board. If Haden can’t run a sub 4.5 40 on his Pro Day, look for the Browns to take a safety like Earl Thomas or Taylor Mays.
*Pending Joe Haden’s Pro Day and “official” 40 time*
Oakland Raiders – The Raiders are young on both sides of the ball and may draft the piece that takes them to the next level this year. OT Bruce Campbell seems to be the best offensive lineman prospect in this draft.
Campbell, a 6’7”, 310 pound offensive tackle from Maryland, showed up at the NFL Combine and ran a 4.8 40 yard dash and proved that he is quite the physical specimen. Campbell is technically raw having only started a year and a half as a Terrapin but Campbell has the upside and potential to be a bookend on any side of the offensive line.
Buffalo Bills – The Buffalo Bills are light on defense and with the impending departure of defensive end Aaron Schobel, ex-Georgia Tech coach will look to the team he once coached to take defensive end Derrick Morgan .
Derrick Morgan is a fine looking athlete at 6’3”, 266 lbs, and can play both an outside linebacker and defensive end position in a 3-4 defense. Morgan has a great assortment of moves to get to the passer and good speed on the edge.
Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jacksonville Jaguars NEED a receiver with the departure of Torry Holt. Maurice Jones-Drew has solidified himself as a premiere running back in the league and the Jags need a receiver to make their offense truly two-dimensional. The Jaguars will have an interesting selection to make with Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State and Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech on the board.
I think the Jags should select Demaryius “Boo” Thomas from the Yellow Jackets. Thomas has excellent ball skills and at 6’3”, 225 pounds, Thomas has impressive speed. Thomas played in an offensive system where the passing game was not featured but was a big play threat every time he touched the bill averaging nearly 26 yards a catch.
Denver Broncos – The Broncos lost Casey Wiegmann to free agency and the Broncos should address that need with Florida G/C Maurkice Pouncey . He was apart of a National Championship team that featured a potent running attack.
Pouncey is an athletic offensive line prospect with the ability to make blocks at the second level. However, look for the Broncos to trade out of this pick to possibly get more pieces to the puzzle.
Miami Dolphins – The apparent need for the Miami Dolphins is to improve their defensive line in the 3-4 schemes. The second Tennessee Volunteer off the board features DT Dan Williams. Williams can play in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense and is a disruptive force in both the passing and running game. Williams seems to be just what Parcells likes at this pick at 6 foot 3 and tipping the scales near 320 lbs.
San Francisco 49ers – Mike Singletary is a defensive minded coach and looks to make a defensive minded pick with the 13th pick in the draft. I see the Niners taking S Earl Thomas , the red-shirted junior from Texas to help shore up this Niner D.
Thomas is a ball hawking safety, collecting eight picks this past season for this Texas D and can play at a slot corner position if necessary. What Thomas was able to do in two years of college football was impressive and by playing for a national championship contending defense among other things prove he is a winner.
Seattle Seahawks – Cue the music, we have a reunion. It only seems inevitable that Pete Carroll selects his college safety to get the starting job at his NFL job. The Seahawks cut S Deion Grant with this pick in mind, and USC STaylor Mays comes back home to play NFL football.
New York Giants – The recent acquisition of S Antrel Rolle has shown that emphasis will be placed on the defense moving forward into the 2010 season. The weakness of this Giants d comes at the linebacker position, and the Giants have landed upon a gold mine in Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain .
At 6’3”, 258 lbs, McClain runs a 4.6 40 and has great instincts. McClain is described as “Nick Saban on the field” and is a sideline-to-sideline tackler. He will be a force for the New York football Giants.
Tennessee Titans – The Titans have many holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball and look to make some moves in the front eight. The Titans are reeling from the losses of Albert Haynesworth to Washington last season and Kyle Vanden Bosch to Detroit this season.
Though they took Auburn DT Sen’derrick Marks in the first round in 2009′s Draft, defensive end Jean Pierre-Paul from the University of South Florida. Pierre-Paul is raw and a freak athlete and many teams like his motor.
San Francisco 49ers – the 49ers are looking for a big play, homerun guy and this is where we see CJ Spiller come off the board. The 49ers can use Spiller to return kicks, be a slot receiver or be a mismatch for linebackers coming out of the backfield. Spiller may be the fastest guy in this draft clocking two 4.3 40 times at the NFL Combine.
Pittsburgh Steelers- The Steelers had a tough season last year, but they should acquire Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State in this year’s draft. The obvious comparison to Dez Bryant is Michael Crabtree from a year ago and the only reason Bryant is not in the top 10 is because of the lack of play in 2009.
Bryant has been out of the game of football for a year, but his tape speaks wonders for his abilities. He is probably the best run after catch receiver in this class and has incredible hands. At 6’2”, 215 Bryant can be a possession receiver as well as one that makes big plays down the field for Roethlisberger and company. The Steelers receiving corps is aging outside of that of Mike Wallace and could use an extra boost from Bryant.
Atlanta Falcons – Our second Texas Longhorn comes off the board for Atlanta with drafting DE/OLB Sergio Kindle. Kindle played most of his career at Texas standing up as an outside linebacker and has very good instincts for diagnosing plays and getting to the football.
At 6’4”, 255 lbs, Kindle exhibits good speed and can play both end and linebacker for the Falcons. This pick is a perfect fit for the Falcons with both John Abraham and Jamal Anderson’s careers with Atlanta questionable.
Houston Texans – The Texans lost Dunt’a Robinson to free agency and look to improve their secondary. For the Texans it comes down to Alabama CB Kareem Jackson or CB Kyle Wilson.
The Texans should select CB Kyle Wilson because he’s a proven four-year starter at Boise in a pass happy conference. Wilson probably one of the better defensive players in all of the WAC will be an asset to the Texans D. He creates turnovers and is very physical at the point of attack.
Cincinnati Bengals – Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez will find a new home in Cincinnati from his humble abode in Gainesville, FL. Hernandez is probably one of the top pass catching tight ends in the nation and played for one of the more prolific offenses in the nation.
Hernandez is a proven downfield threat with good speed. He is a poor man’s Jeremy Shockey. Hernandez can line up as a slot receiver and will cause mismatch problems for a lot of NFL linebackers.
New England Patriots- In recent history, the New England Patriots have been struggling to keep Tom Brady off injured reserve, which is why they should draft G Mike Iupati from Idaho. Iupati is a physical interior lineman that will not only open holes for Laurence Maroney, but also keep Tom Brady delivering passes to Moss, Welker, and company.
Green Bay Packers – Bryan Bulaga , the offensive tackle from Iowa, should be a perfect fit for the Green Bay Packers. The Packers offensive line is aging and the insertion of 6’6”, 320 lb, Bulaga could be a much-needed lift in protection for Aaron Rodgers.
Philadelphia Eagles – With Brian Westbrook departing from the Eagles backfield, Ryan Matthews has emerged himself as a first round running back talent in this NFL Draft. Matthews provides a great one-two punch for the Eagles and at 5-11, 218 lbs, Matthews can be a powerful back that shows some glimpses of breakaway speed.
Baltimore Ravens- With the Ravens D aging and with CB Kareem Jackson still on the board the Ravens will find help covering the likes of Chad Ochocinco and Hines Ward. Jackson is a rangy corner and physical at the line of scrimmage. He fits the style of the Ravens’ defense.
Arizona Cardinals – The Arizona Cardinals lose Chiki Okeafor and Karlos Dansby to free agency so the Cardinals should select linebacker Sean Witherspoon from Missouri. Witherspoon has the speed to cover swift tight ends and can also play inside the box as a run stop linebacker.
Dallas Cowboys – The “power pig” aka Terrance Cody will be just the 3-4-nose guard Jerry Jones and the Cowboys organization are looking for. Cody has weight issues (sometimes weighing in at 380) but has gotten those weight issues under control (weighing in at 338 at the Combine).
Cody is a strong inside presence and a space eater. He can control gaps and get penetration. The Cowboys can run away from this draft with a steal or a bust in Terrance Cody depending on if Cody can manage his weight.
San Diego Chargers – The Chargers lost one of the greatest players to ever dawn a Charger uniform in LaDainian Tomlinson and traded away star corner Antonio Cromartie.
They will have to decipher which is of more importance, running back or cornerback and will probably select to upgrade their defensive front to help take pressure off the secondary. Cam Thomas from UNC is 6’4”, 330 lbs and the heir apparent to Terrance Cody in this draft.
New York Jets – The Jets signed LaDainian Tomlinson to bolster their running attack and Coach Rex Ryan will have to improve their defense if they want to improve another collapse to the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs.
The Jets lost Kherry Rhodes to the Arizona Cardinals so look for the Jets to take S Chad Jones from LSU at this spot. Jones is a headhunter and can really strike fear into opposing receivers.
Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings have to play the juggling game with Brett Favre’s return (or lack thereof), and the loss of Chester Taylor highlights the need for the Vikings to take a running back in this draft. Jahvid Best , the 6-0, 198 lb running back for Cal is a speed demon that can add another dimension to the Vikings offense.
Indianapolis Colts – The Colts should select Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick , at 6’5” and 304 lbs. The Saints controlled the Super Bowl against Indianapolis by keeping Peyton Manning off the field with their running game. Odrick provides a run stopper than can increase the Colts chances of getting back to the Super Bowl.
New Orleans Saints – The Saints won the Super Bowl with a prolific offensive attack and a stout defense. The Saints’ main concern comes up front with their defensive line.
They fell late in the season to both the Cowboys and the Buccaneers who exposed their inability to stop an effective run game. To remedy that, the Saints should take UCLA defensive tackle Brian Price to round out the first round of the draft.
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I’ll start out agreeing with Jim McCurdy. This mock draft is a boat load of fun. And I’m glad to be part of the mock representing the Houston Texans Nation.
If you looked at the photo, you’ll know who I selected for the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. But before we talk about that selection, let’s briefly touch on some other players who I also considered.
Already off the board in this mock was Mike Iupati, the mauling guard from Idaho. Sure, Idaho isn’t exactly a bustling football factory, but a massive and mean guard to shore up the interior of the offensive line and the running game is just what the doctor ordered.
Iupati would have been a great selection, but he was drafted by the Steelers in this mock. Sigh.
I don’t really think there is another interior lineman worth taking at pick No. 20. I briefly considered Maurkice Pouncey out of Florida, but I think 20 is a bit high for him.
Sure, he’s a winner and a good football player, but rare is the guard worth taking at No. 20. That should tell you how highly I think of Iupati.
In addition to the offensive line, the Texans could use a talent infusion in the backfield. Specifically, the Texans need a bigger back to split carries with Steve Slaton.
We won’t know what Slaton can do till next season, but assuming he returns to form somewhere between his remarkable rookie season and his slumping second season, the Texans should have a player who excels on the boundaries and in space. Which also means the team needs a bell cow to plow between the tackles.
With backs like Stanford’s Toby Gerhart (too slow, too upright a runner for the NFL) and CJ Spiller (already taken), the Texans could go in those directions in the first round. But I don’t see that happening, do you?
Another position of need is the defensive backfield. Too bad top-notch safety prospects like Earl Thomas and Eric Berry are long gone.
And I don’t see Taylor Mays as a star in the NFL. Sure, he can run and hit, but he can’t play centerfield. He can’t cover in the passing game.
The Texans have a guy who can run and hit in Bernard Pollard and need a running mate for the big hitting strong safety. Mays is quite an athlete, but I’m not sold on him as a football player.
Finally, let’s not ignore the obvious. Sam Bradford has slid all the way down this first round mock draft.
In this mock and in this mock only (as I can’t imagine a Brady Quinn-esque slide for Bradford) why wouldn’t the Texans auction this pick off for a major ransom? It would be bad business to ignore trading this pick if Bradford is still there.
All of which brings us back to Kyle Wilson. Wilson might not be the biggest player in the draft, but at 5’10″ and 190 lbs., he’s still a good sized prospect.
Plus, Wilson is fast, quick, and can flat out cover. He has high awareness and intelligence and should be rising up draft boards quickly.
Adding a corner back with Wilson’s skill would help the Texans in a division that plays home to Peyton Manning and the pass happy Colts.
To win the division and make the playoffs, the Texans must be able to beat Indianapolis. And making the playoffs must be the Texans’ goal in 2010.
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