04/18/2010
Here is my third mock, which will surely be updated before Thursday night's draft.
There are some unconventional picks in here, some which may seem bizarre to some of you, but it is clear that every year there are surprises in round one, likely because the media has nowhere near the same scouting skills as NFL front offices (for example, Georgia Tech’s Michael Johnson being touted as a first round prospect by the media and falling to round three). As with any mock, some of these unusual picks have a snowball effect on the entire draft; therefore, I have listed alternative selections for each team. Be sure to check out www.walterfootball.com for the best draft coverage around!
1. St Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB- Oklahoma
At this point, all signs point to the Rams taking Bradford. This organization has already passed on both Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez in the last two drafts for Chris Long and Jason Smith, and is in dire need of a quarterback. While selecting Ndamukong Suh would certainly go a long way in building Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, the quarterback position is a far greater need, as evidenced by Marc Bulger/ Keith Null’s performance last season. Although I don’t believe that Bradford would have been a top three quarterback in last year’s class, he will be the first quarterback selected by the Rams in the first round since 1964.
Other possibilities: Ndamukong Suh, Jimmy Claussen
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT- Nebraska
The Lions’ two biggest needs come between the trenches, and Detroit must pick up help at both offensive and defensive tackle in the early rounds of this draft. If Detroit truly feels that a left tackle is more important to protect second year quarterback Matthew Stafford, Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung will be the pick. On the other hand, should they decide to go with the “Best Player Available” approach, Ndamukong Suh is rated among the best prospects to declare for the draft in the last decade. While so-called “draft experts” have been arguing that Suh and Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy are considered 1.a and 1.b, Suh has proven to be far superior in all aspects of the game. Despite playing against the same competition in the Big-12 conference, Suh out produced McCoy in almost every statistic over the past two seasons, as well as in nearly every drill at the Combine. The Lions would be foolish to pass on Suh, who, along with the recently acquired Corey Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch, would make the Lions defensive line a force to be wrecking with.
Other possibilities: Russell Okung, Gerald McCoy
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT- Oklahoma
The Buccaneers have lacked a stud defensive tackle since Warren Sapp’s departure in 2004, and both Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims are not starting caliber NFL tackles. It is widely known that the Buccaneers organization is enamored by Ndamukong Suh, and would love to have him wearing Pewter and Red next season. If Suh is off the board, it is likely that the Bucs will settle for Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy, who would likely be the top defensive tackle in any other draft class. While McCoy’s production in college was nowhere near that of Suh’s, numerous scouts believe that McCoy’s ceiling may be higher. McCoy is an ideal three-technique tackle whose explosion and quickness make him a nice fit in Raheem Morris’ new hybrid “Tampa 2” defense.
Other possibilities: Russell Okung, Ndamukong Suh, Derrick Morgan
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT- Oklahoma State
Washington’s decision to trade for Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb really shook up this draft. Until the McNabb trade, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was the “sexy pick” for the Redskins in most mock drafts. The acquisition of McNabb is so beneficial to the Redskins as it now allows them to address their biggest need, the offensive tackle position. Russell Okung is the best offensive tackle in this draft class. That being said, some scouts seem to believe that Oklahoma’s Trent Williams is a superior pick for Mike Shannahan’s zone blocking scheme due to skill set, but I can’t see the ‘Skins passing on the consensus top tackle .Okung is nowhere near the prospect that Joe Thomas, as he struggles in run blocking (especially short yardage), but he is still the top player at his position in a rather shallow offensive tackle class.
Other possibilities: Trent Williams, Eric Berry
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Rolando McClain, MLB- Alabama
Surprise #1 of the draft!
Most mock drafts have Iowa’s Bryan Bulaga here simply because of the relationship between Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. Truth be told, this “relationship” has only resulted in one Iowa selection Trent Williams is a better prospect than Bulaga, and I believe that the Bulaga talk is simply a smokescreen by the Chiefs. That being said, it is worth noting that Scott Pioli has never drafted an offensive tackle higher than round two. The logical assumption would be to take stud safety Eric Berry, the best available player at this point; however, Pioli is a large advocate of positional value (see: Tyson Jackson) and it is unlikely that he values taking a safety in the top five. Middle linebackers are rarely picked in the top of the first round, but McClain is a perfect fit for the Chiefs. McClain’s stock has dropped a bit since the National Championship due to his revelation that he supposedly suffers from Crohn’s disease, and due to his questionable 40 speed. McClain could even fall into the second round of this draft, if it is true that his Crohn’s is indeed serious. If McClain is actually healthy, he is an outstanding leader that possesses great size and superb football intelligence, that would make him a great linebacker in the Chiefs 3-4 defense.
Other Possibilities: Eric Berry, Bryan Bulaga, Trent Williams
6. Seattle Seahawks: Eric Berry, S- Tennessee
This pick comes down to Trent Williams vs. Eric Berry. Berry is undoubtedly the best safety in this draft and will be one of the highest rated players on the Seahawks board. Last year Seattle did not hesitate to select Aaron Curry when he fell to them at #4 last season. Berry is certainly a far superior prospect to Williams; however, Williams fits a huge need for Seattle, a team that must replace future Hall of Famer Walter Jones at left tackle. Williams’ athleticism makes him a nice fit in Pete Carroll's zone blocking scheme, and he could very well be the choice. Come draft day, I believe that the Seahawks take Berry because he is the best player on the board, and a safety that could have an ‘Ed Reed” type impact for their defense.
Other possibilities: Trent Williams, C.J. Spiller, Dez Bryant
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB- Florida
The selection of Eric Berry prior to this pick would really complicate the Browns’ draft day scenario. Berry would be the easy choice for Cleveland, but if he is off the board, the Browns will have a big decision to make. Should the Browns go with Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan as a 3-4 OLB? Do they go with offensive stud CJ Spiller to add explosion to their offense? Dare I say, Jimmy Clausen? If Berry is off the board, trading down would be a nice option, should the Browns find a trading partner. The Eagles want Eric Berry, but could also be interested in trading up to select Texas safety Earl Thomas. If Cleveland keeps this pick, the Browns will try to improve their secondary with the draft’s top corner, Joe Haden.
Other possibilities: C.J. Spiller, Earl Thomas, Derrick Morgan, trade down
8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT- Maryland
Prior to last year’s draft, the thought of drafting Maryland “Workout Warrior” Darius Heyward-Bey over consensus #1 wide receiver Michael Crabtree was in the back of everyone’s minds, but nobody actually thought that Al Davis would really pull the trigger. History has shown time and time again that “Undead Al” does not care what the media thinks of his selections, nor his desire to build a football team of “track stars”. There is no doubt about it, Bruce Campbell is an outstanding athlete that has a high ceiling in terms of potential, but this is about 15-20 picks too high for him to be drafted. Nevertheless, I would not be shocked at all to see Al take Campbell here. Other prospects that Al Davis could be eyeing include USF “physical specimen” Jason Pierre-Paul, Rutgers’ Anthony Davis, and perhaps Jimmy Clausen as a dark horse.
Other possibilities: Trent Williams, Jason Pierre-Paul, Anthony Davis
9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB- Notre Dame
Offensive tackle is the most glaring need for Buffalo, as the Bills allowed 46 sacks in 2009. Bryan Bulaga is a prospect that the Bills will consider at this pick, but As a scout, current Bills GM Buddy Nix never had any of his teams take a left tackle in the first round. If Clausen makes it to #9 overall, the Bills will likely take the former “Golden Domer” as a potential franchise quarterback. The discrepancy between the top quarterbacks in this draft and the rest of the pack is far greater than the skill level between the offensive lineman at the top of this draft and in the middle rounds. If the Bills are worried about Clausen’s supposed attitude concerns and California upbringing (it’s a tad colder in Buffalo!) the Bills could opt to take a tackle here and try to land Tim Tebow later in the draft.
Other possibilities: Bryan Bulaga, Anthony Davis, Dan Williams, Tim Tebow
10. TRADE PROJECTION: Jacksonville Jaguars trade 10 overall to Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for 24 overall and 55 overall
Philadelphia Eagles: Earl Thomas, S- Texas
Ideally, Philadelphia would like to trade up to land Tennessee’s Eric Berry, but there are also rumors of them trading up for Earl Thomas. Thomas, who several experts have as an even better prospect than Berry, will fill a great need for Philadelphia at the safety position. The Eagles were foolish to let Brian Dawkins walk in Free Agency, but the quantity of top selections the Eagles have in this draft, combined with the lack of holes they have on the roster, makes trading up a realistic luxury for the team. Thomas would be an excellent pick for the Eagles, and this would be a reasonable position to draft him, as Miami has also shown interest in him.
Other possibilities (At this pick, #10 overall): Tim Tebow, Jason Pierre-Paul, Derrick Morgan
11. Denver Broncos: Maurkice Pouncey, OG- Florida
This is a very interesting spot for the Broncos. There have been rumblings since the Brandon Marshall trade that Dez Bryant is a lock at this pick, but I don’t think that Josh McDaniels is interested in dealing with another potential “diva” wide receiver. Upon analyzing Denver’s draft last season, it is clear that McDaniels and GM Brian Xanders favor great athletes that fill major needs. The guard and center positions are big needs for the Broncos and the interior line must be improved to help running back Knowshon Moreno. Selecting an interior lineman this high is very questionable, but Josh McDaniels doesn’t seem to care how the media perceives him. This pick could also be the more versatile Maurkice Pouncey. If the Broncos opt to improve their defense, Tennessee’s Dan Williams would be a nice fit in the 3-4 defense, as would Rolando McClain, if he is available.
Other possibilities: Rolando McClain, Dez Bryant, Maurkice Pouncey, Dan Williams, Brandon Graham
12. Miami Dolphins: Derrick Morgan, DE/OLB- Georgia Tech
Some mocks have mammoth Tennessee NT Dan Williams locked into this position. Interestingly enough, no team that new Dolphins defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has been a defensive coordinator or head coach for has ever selected a defensive tackle before the fourth round! Bill Parcells loves linebackers, as evidenced by six first-round selections on this position in the first round. This pick will be an outside linebacker, and I believe the Dolphins will choose Derrick Morgan as their man. Although he is best fit as a 4-3 defensive end, Morgan has been impressive when given an opportunity to rush the passer out of a two point stance. As a 3-4 outside linebacker, Morgan could develop into a Shawne Merriman type talent. If Morgan is off the board, I wouldn’t be surprised if this pick was Michigan DE Brandon Graham, who led the nation in tackles for loss.
Other possibilities: Dan Williams, Brandon Graham, Earl Thomas, Sergio Kindle, Jason Pierre-Paul
13. San Francisco 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT- Iowa
The 49ers selection of Bulaga would give their offensive line, which allowed 40 sacks last season, a must needed boost. Some evaluators have questioned whether or not Bulaga is an true NFL left tackle, but in this case, Bulaga would play right tackle anyways, as San Francisco is content with Joe Staley. Frank Gore has already voiced his displeasure about adding another running back, such as C.J. Spiller, but he could still be the pick. More often than not, I believe that the 49ers will address the offensive line here. That being said, If someone like Joe Haden is still available, I don’t doubt that San Francisco will grab him, as he is a better prospect than Bulaga. It has also been reported that the 49ers are very unlikely to let Jimmy Clausen fall past this pick should he be available. Bulaga or Anthony Davis should be the pick here.
Other possibilities: C.J. Spiller, Joe Haden, Bryan Bulaga, Anthony Davis, Earl Thomas, Jimmy Clausen
14. Seattle Seahawks: Antony Davis, OT- Rutgers
Dez Bryant is a serious candidate to go in this spot; however, should the Seahawks select Eric Berry with the sixth overall pick, it makes it much more difficult for this franchise to escape the first round without a left tackle. If Anthony Davis is available at this point, he could be the pick here. If not, Dez Bryant or C.J. Spiller are the most likely to be selected, as Seattle lacks explosive playmakers on offense. Justin Forsett did show promise in his first season, and this could hold Seattle back from taking Spiller, who is a similar style finesse back. Anthony Davis is raw, but very gifted from a physical standpoint. If he could prove doubters wrong about his questionable work ethic and potential weight issues, he could be a franchise left tackle.
Other possibilities: C.J. Spiller, Dez Bryant, Charles Brown, Taylor Mays
15. New York Giants: Dan Williams, DT- Tennessee
This may be lower than most mocks have Williams, as some analysts believe that Williams will be reached on due to the premium teams have begun to place on 3-4 defensive tackles. Williams is an ideal fit in the middle of a 3-4 defense, but his 6’2, 320 pound frame would immediately help the Giants improve their defensive line. It is common knowledge that the G-Men love building their defensive line, and Williams’ experience in a pro-style defense under Monte Kiffin will allow him to make an immediate impact on Big Blue’s line. Despite the fact that he’s really a two down player, Williams has the ability to make an entire defensive line better by occupying blockers and collapsing the pocket.
Other possibilities: Sean Weatherspoon, Rolando McClain, Derrick Morgan
16. Tennessee Titans: Brandon Graham, DE- Michigan
The Titans’ biggest areas of need are the defensive line and the secondary. This pick will likely be a defensive end if both Brandon Graham and Jason Pierre-Paul are still available. The Titans have not shied away from “Workout Warriors” in recent years (see: Chris Johnson, Chris Henry, Michael Griffin) and they could be so intrigued by Pierre-Paul’s upside that they take him. In the end, I believe that Graham will be the pick, as he is my favourite pass rusher in this draft. Graham displayed his incredible motor and pass rushing moves at the Senior Bowl, and his stock has been on the rise ever since. The Titans would be taking a step in the right direction by selecting Graham over Pierre-Paul, as the former is far more polished as a pass rusher.
Other possibilities: Jason Pierre-Paul, Kyle Wilson, Everson Griffin, Sean Weatherspoon, Joe Haden
17. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller, RB- Clemson
Despite Frank Gore’s comments that he would rather not have another running back in San Francisco, Spiller would create the ultimate “thunder and lightning” for the 49ers. Spiller is arguably the most dynamic offensive playmaker in this draft, and an elite prospect due to his gamebreaking ability. He can take the ball all the way on any given play due to his lightning fast speed, quickness and vision. Some scouts are concerned about his durability and his ability to run between the tackles, but there were similar concerns about Titans RB Chris Johnson coming out of ECU. Spiller will instantly add explosion to San Francisco’s offense, giving QB Alex Smith yet another weapon to work with.
Other possibilities: Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Iupati, Earl Thomas, Kyle Wilson
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Wilson, CB- Boise State
Pittsburgh would be ecstatic to have Kyle Wilson drop into its lap at 18 overall, as he is the consensus number two corner in the draft. While not as talented as Florida’s Joe Haden, Wilson is going to be a starting corner in the NFL. The drop-off in talent at the cornerback position after Wilson is greater than most people believe, and despite holes on the interior offensive line, Pittsburgh will take Wilson to help its mediocre secondary. Wilson has had an outstanding off-season, and his performance at the Senior Bowl has solidified his stock as the second best corner in this class. He will become an instant favourite of head coach Mike Tomlin, who started off coaching defensive backs in Tampa Bay. Keep an eye out for Jason-Pierre Paul or Brandon Graham here as outside linebackers to replace James Harrison, who is 31.
Other possibilities: C.J. Spiller, Jared Odrick, Maurkice Pouncey, Brandon Graham
19. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB- Missouri
If available, this pick will be Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon, who has visited with the Falcons recently. Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff has been rumored to be extremely interested in ‘Spoon, who is arguably the top 4-3 linebacker in this draft. He will eventually be the successor to Mike Peterson, and will provide an immediate impact in helping Atlanta’s porous run defense. Michigan’s Brandon Graham, as Atlanta needs defensive line help as well, and he will be the pick here if available. I doubt that Dimitroff settles for another defensive end if Graham is off the board, but Jason Pierre-Paul is a possibility. Although I think this is a bit of a reach for an interior lineman, Pouncey will be able to start right away and help to solidify Atlanta’s interior offensive line for years to come.
Other possibilities: Brandon Graham, Sean Weatherspoon, Jason Pierre-Paul
20. Houston Texans: Ryan Matthews, RB- Fresno State
The Texans have made it clear that they want to get tougher offensively after finishing with the league’s 30th ranked rushing attack. Houston has struggled in short yardage situations, and Matthews would be a nice fit in Gary Kubiak’s offensive system. The Texans currently have Steve Slaton and Arian Foster at the running back position, but both of these players are more finesse runners than power. Ryan Matthews will be considered with this pick, but that could change if the Texans believe that he is not necessarily the “bruiser” that they are looking for. While selecting a running back would allow for his Steve Slaton to be kept fresher, the Texans secondary is perhaps the biggest area of need. There are numerous power backs that the Texans can look at in round two, such as Ben Tate, which would have more value than reaching on Matthews here. Should stud such as safety Earl Thomas or cornerback Kyle Wilson is available, they will be taken here. Should the Texans reach on a cornerback such as Rutgers’ Devin McCourty, or do they settle on Matthews. I think Matthews will be the pick if it comes down to those two.
Other possibilities: Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, Earl Thomas, Sergio Kindle
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Dez Bryant, WR- Oklahoma State
Dez is finally off the board after falling out of the top twenty! This is a steal for the Bengals, and that is why they would consider selecting Bryant, despite having signed former Buccaneers wideout Antonio Bryant this off-season. The Bengals have bigger needs than wide receiver, but Dez Bryant is going to be an elite NFL talent, and should not fall this far. He has been his own worst enemy in recent weeks, displaying signs of irresponsibility (forgetting to bring his cleats to his pro day) and poor judgment (hanging out with Pacman Jones) which have both sunk his stock. Dez is an exceptional talent who should be a top 10 pick, but teams just cannot justify handing over millions in guaranteed money to someone with attitude concerns. Regardless, the Bengals could have the next Randy Moss if Bryant reaches his potential.
Other possibilities: Jason Pierre-Paul, Taylor Mays, Jermaine Gresham, Sergio Kindle
22. New England Patriots: Jared Odrick, DE,- Penn State
Jermaine Gresham has been mocked to New England a lot recently; however, I doubt Bill Belichick is serious about spending a premium pick on a tight end, especially with three second round picks. Additionally, it is rumored that the Pats could send a second rounder to the Bears for TE Greg Olsen. The Patriots are rumored to be enamored by Odrick, and he would be an excellent fit in the 3-4 defense. He can play defensive end or defensive tackle in this system, and could be the replacement for Richard Seymour that the Pats are looking for. It is worth noting that if Dez Bryant is available, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Belichick would pass on him.
Other possibilities: Dez Bryant, Jermaine Gresham, Sergio Kindle, Damian Williams
23. Green Bay Packers: Mike Iupati, OG- Idaho
Ted Thompson has already stated that he will not reach on an offensive lineman, and I feel that USC’s Charles Brown may be considered that at this point. On the other hand, Mike Iupati is widely considered the best guard in this draft class, and he could be the “Best Player Available” on Ted Thompson’s draft board. If you watched the Packers first ten games last season, Aaron Rogers took such a pounding that it looked like he would retire before Brett Favre! The Packers will benefit greatly from the addition of Iupati, whose quickness and versatility will provide Green Bay with stability at the guard position, instead of having to rely on Darryn Colledge and Jason Spitz. It is worth noting that Thompson is one of the most unpredictable drafters, and this pick could be anyone, from safety Taylor Mays to Jason Pierre-Paul.
Other possibilities: Sergio Kindle, Charles Brown, Sean Weatherspoon, Jerry Hughes
24. TRADE PROJECTION: Philadelphia Eagles trade 24 overall and 55 overall to Jacksonville in exchange for Jaguars’ 10 overall pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Tim Tebow, QB- Florida
This is way too high for Tim Tebow, who, in recent weeks, has been the beneficiary of so much media hype that he has become a fringe first round prospect. Tebow is going to work tirelessly for whichever organization that selects him; however, he is not a first round quarterback prospect. He is a big project that will need to sit on the bench for a few years and learn under the tutelage of an experienced quarterback. New England and Indianapolis would be ideal landing spots for Tebow, not somewhere like Jacksonville, where he will be tossed into game action sooner rather than later. The Jaguars need Tebow to sell tickets, and potentially save the team from moving from Jacksonville. The Jaguars would be shocked in Jason Pierre-Paul was still available, and may consider him here if they believed that they could get Tebow at 55 overall, but I doubt it. The Jaguars’ main goal is to guarantee they finish this draft with Tim Tebow on its roster.
Other possibilities (At this pick, #24 overall): Jason Pierre-Paul, Sean Weatherspoon, Brian Price
25. Baltimore Ravens: Devin McCourty, CB- Rutgers
The Ravens pass defense is just in dire need of some fresh talent, as both Ladarius Webb and Fabian Washington are recovering from serious injuries last season. McCourty would be a nice fit across from Domonique Foxworth in the Ravens secondary. Baltimore’s trade for Anquan Boldin allows the Ravens to target their biggest needs in the first round, instead of spending a pick on a wide receiver. That being said, if Dez Bryant falls to this spot, the Ravens will grab him. The Ravens would love Boise St’s Kyle Wilson, but he will likely be long gone by this point and despite a lack of production at Rutgers (only six interceptions in four years), McCourty has been rising up draft boards. Also look out for Virginia’s Chris Cook here.
Other possibilities: Jared Odrick, Jermaine Gresham, Chris Cook, Terrence Cody
26. Arizona Cardinals: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB- Texas
The Cardinals grabbed a steal last season when they were able to snag Beanie Wells at the bottom half of the first round. Well, lightning strikes twice here, if the Cardinals are able to land Sergio Kindle. Kindle is an elite pass rusher that was part of one of the country’s best defenses at Texas. He was very productive throughout his collegiate career, and showed up during big games (2.5 sacks during the National Championship). He would be a nice replacement for Karlos Dansby, who parted ways with Arizona this off-season.
Other possibilities: Terrence Cody, Charles Brown, Jermaine Gresham
27. Dallas Cowboys: Charles Brown, OT- Southern California
The Cowboys have a huge hole at offensive tackle after releasing Flozell Adams this off-season. Despite Doug Free’s solid play for Dallas, the Cowboys could use another tackle, as age is becoming a concern for the current o-line, Brown may be a tad overhyped coming out of USC, but offensive tackles always represent a premium in the draft, and #27 would be a fair landing spot for Brown. The Cowboys have shown interest in Brown, bringing him to Arlington for a 2 day visit. One thing to consider is that Jerry Jones has never selected an offensive lineman in the first round, so the ‘Boys may address other areas. Dallas also has may want to upgrade at the safety position; therefore, Brown’s teammate, Taylor Mays, is an option for Jerry Jones here as well.
Other possibilities: Taylor Mays, Mike Iupati, Damaryius Thomas
28. San Diego Chargers: Terrence Cody, NT- Alabama
Cody is the ideal candidate to fill the literally massive void left by Jamal Williams, who signed with Denver this off-season. “Mount Cody” is an outstanding 3-4 nose tackle, but like most defensive tackles, struggles with his weight. If Cody can maintain his weight, he will be an elite NFL player. He is only a two down lineman, but Cody makes a huge impact when he is on the field. He is a massive human being that can occupy multiple blockers at once and that will make this entire defense much better.
Other possibilities: Devin McCourty, Jared Odrick, Ryan Matthews, Linval Joseph
29. New York Jets: Linval Joseph, DT- East Carolina
Linval Joseph has been climbing up draft boards in recent weeks due to his intriguing 3-4 skill set. He is someone that can be lined up at either tackle or end in Rex Ryan’s 3-4 defense, as he has great athleticism for someone with a 6’4, 330 pound frame. This may be considered a bit of a reach, but Joseph won’t last long in the second round, due to the positional value placed on 3-4 players. The Jets would love Brandon Graham at this spot, but he won’t make it here. They could also consider Cal’s Tyson Alualu to play defensive end, or someone like Sergio Kindle as a rush linebacker.
Other possibilities: Jerry Hughes, Sergio Kindle, Jared Odrick, Everson Griffen, Tyson Alualu
30. Minnesota Vikings: Brian Price, DT- University of California, Los Angeles
The Vikings’ “Williams Wall” combo of defensive tackles isn’t getting any younger, and the Vikings must find a successor to Pat Williams. Brian Price is flying under the radar in this draft because of guys like Suh and McCoy, but the Pac-10 defensive player of the year is certainly worth a first round grade. He is a very talented defensive tackle with tons of upside, but there are some questions about his durability and stamina. If the Vikings decide to address their secondary woes, Chris Cook could be a sleeper pick here.
Other possibilities: Chris Cook, Devin McCourty, Brian Price, Kareem Jackson
31. Indianapolis Colts: Jason Pierre- Paul, DE- South Florida
The Colts would snag Jason Pierre-Paul if he was surprisingly available at this point, due to his great upside. Although DE is not the biggest need on the Colts roster, Pierre-Paul is widely considered a top 15 talent in this draft class. Pierre-Paul falls to #31 due to intelligence issues, his questionable integration into a 3-4 defense, and inexperience (only one year of Division I football). Scouts have been impressed with Pierre-Paul’s elite athleticism and physical abilities, and he has been considered a first round prospect due to his potential rather than his production (only 6.5 sacks).
Other possibilities: Charles Brown, Jerry Hughes, Sergio Kindle, Jahvid Best
32. New Orleans Saints: Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB- Texas Christian University
While Everson Griffen could intrigue the Saints with his uncanny physical attributes, Jerry Hughes is a better draft prospect. His production throughout his career was unbelievable (26.5 sacks in his last 2 seasons) and he displayed outstanding explosiveness at the Scouting Combine. His three-cone and short shuttle times were outstanding, and Hughes could be a productive standup SAM and 3-4 edge rusher in the NFL. Don’t be surprised if the Saints let the clock expire with this pick so they could review their draft board overnight and begin Friday evening’s second round with a selection.
Other possibilities: Darryl Washington, Sean Weatherspoon, Everson Griffen, Brian Price
The 2010 NFL Draft can be viewed Thursday night at 7:30 pm on TSN 2 or NFL Network. Rounds 2 and 3 will take place Friday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the remaining rounds will take place on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. onwards.
