WesDawg
'Burghapologist
Welcome to the first Sports Outlaw 2010 NFL Mock Draft, courtesy of Wes Harmon. This is in no way a prediction of how I feel the first 2 rounds WILL unfold, but rather what I feel each team SHOULD do based on research of primary team needs versus player value at each draft position, and my own positional rankings. As you’ll notice at the end, there are 10 players listed who would fit in perfectly well in the 2nd round, which emphasizes the sheer depth of this year’s prospect group. Feel free to sound off accordingly with positive and negative feedback.
ROUND 1
1. St. Louis – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma -His true talent won’t be readily obvious in 2010, only due to an average receiving corps and an offensive line that needs attention. Look for Pro Bowl appearances to start after his 3rd season.
2. Detroit – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska -Suh improved every year at Nebraska, while constantly playing against high-powered offenses littered with current/future NFL talent.
3. Tampa Bay – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma -The Bucs’ new favorite player is actually Sam Bradford. Thanks to his incredible Pro Day workout, they get the DT they desperately wanted.
4. Washington – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St. –LT Chris Samuels is gone, and the rest of the cupboard is below average. They got their QB, so how about keeping him upright now?
5. Kansas City – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee -The Ed Reed comparisons are legit, and I have Berry as the top overall player in this class. They gave up too soon on Bernard Pollard which is why this pick should be a no-brainer.
6. Seattle – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa -The Walter Jones era at LT is essentially over and Bulaga is one of the safest, NFL ready players who carries a 1st round grade. Nice compliment to last year’s 2nd rounder Max Unger.
7. Cleveland – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame -With the Delhomme signing, this is a perfect situation for Clausen. He can sit for a year and learn while Cleveland builds some talent for him to work with in 2011.
8. Oakland – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma -Another solid, yet unspectacular Tackle from a high-level college program. Arguably the most sound pass-blocker amongst the top linemen.
9. Buffalo – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers -They’ll get their QB in round 2, but for now let’s begin the rebuilding process for a depleted offensive line. Davis is raw but has unlimited upside if he chooses to reach it.
10. Jacksonville – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech -Aaron Kampman was brought in as a free agent, but both he and Morgan could rotate between DE and OLB to vastly improve a terrible pass rush.
11. Denver – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama -I have him rated slightly higher than Aaron Curry was last year, and Curry went 4th overall. Denver revamped their defensive line this offseason but still need a bellcow LB. McClain will be an immediate starter.
12. Miami – Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas -1 slot earlier than ex-teammate Brian Orakpo went last year, and Kindle’s a carbon copy, minus a few lbs. Will team with newcomer Karlos Dansby to give Parcells the LB corps he always loves having. Immediate upgrade over departed Joey Porter.
13. San Francisco – Joe Haden, CB, Florida -He ran a bit slow at the Combine, which is the only reason he’ll be available here. The most complete cornerback by far in this draft has the ball skills to be a “shutdown” type defender.
14. Seattle – C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson -Ironically, Chris Johnson cracked the 2,000 yard plateau against the Seahawks last season. Spiller may be half a step slower, but is basically a clone in how he runs, and is reportedly one of the best “character guys” coming out.
15. N.Y. Giants – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri -He’ll start and excel quickly in a roster spot vacated by longtime Giant Antonio Pierce. Versatile tackling machine can occupy any of the LB spots.
16. Tennessee – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee -Relocation fees will be minimal, plus they have a track record of success with former Volunteer linemen. (Haynesworth) Fantastic run defender.
17. San Francisco – Mike Iupati, G, Idaho -Can start right away at either Guard spot with the potential of kicking outside to RT as a bookend to Joe Staley. Plays with a Singletary-esque mean streak.
18. Pittsburgh – Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida -Underrated C/G with heavy experience dealing with the toughest collegiate defenders in the country, both in games and practice. It’s past time to start the reclamation project that is the Steelers offensive line.
19. Atlanta – Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan -One of the Senior Bowl stars constantly draws comparisons to former Wolverine Lamarr Woodley, both in physique and skillset. True 3-down player who can kick back to OLB occasionally.
20. Houston – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St. –Speedy cover guy who steps in seamlessly for Dunta Robinson, and is also a very accomplished return man. When you’re trying to get over the “Indy hump” to win your division, guys like Wilson are a must-have commodity.
21. Cincinnati – Earl Thomas, S, Texas -He was stellar during the Longhorns’ pro day and very likely won’t drop this far. If he does he’s the best coverage Safety to come along in several years and Cincy has a future perennial pro bowler on their hands.
22. New England – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St. –Easily the most polarizing first round prospect. New England is the type of environment necessary to straighten up his off-field act, and they have enough quality draft choices to take a chance on this Terrell Owens clone. Top-5 talent if he wasn’t such a train wreck.
23. Green Bay – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland -Athletically speaking, he’s the most gifted of the upper-tier lineman. That rarely translated into production at Maryland, however. His upside coupled with a serious need make him worth the risk as Rodgers’ blindside protector for the foreseeable future.
24. Philadelphia – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida -The only hesistancy I have with JPP as a top-10 pick is the lack of a track record. Like the Patriots, they have enough quality picks to afford themselves this boom-or-bust gamble.
25. Baltimore – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida -Character concerns are the only thing preventing Dunlap from being a top-10 pick. He’s THAT talented when the light bulb is on. Being exposed to this defensive locker room should get his mind right.
26. Arizona – Everson Griffin, DE, USC -Jerry Hughes from TCU is a coin-flip at this spot for the Cards, but I think Griffen fills a more immediate need since he’s better suited as a true DE in a 34 front, which they need. Calais Campbell is serviceable but inconsistent and Dockett is aging.
27. Dallas – Taylor Mays, S, USC -I still maintain that Mays fits better as a LB, but after losing Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin in consecutive seasons, why not bring in a better athlete than both?
28. San Diego – Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno St. -Should be a no-brainer unless he’s already been picked. Rare 3-down type RB to fill the L.T. void. Front “runner” for Offensive R.O.Y.
29. N.Y. Jets – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame - Seriously productive against a high competition level, all while operating in a pro-style system. You know exactly what you’re getting with Tate, which could ultimately equate to a young Steve Smith (CAR).
30. Minnesota – Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama -Well-coached instinctive corner who fits perfectly into this cover-2 scheme. Winfield is aging and Cedric Griffin is coming off a troubling injury. Jackson’s cover skills are NFL-ready.
31. Indianapolis – Jared Odrick, DT, Penn St. –Fills the only real obvious hole on this roster. Indy drafted 2 DT’s last year (Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor) and neither impressed. Smaller, quicker lineman like the Colts prefer, who can be disruptive inside the tackles.
32. New Orleans – Jerry Hughes, LB/DE, Texas Christian -Desperately needed pass-rusher can step in right away for Scott Fujita. Can also put his hand down at DE on passing downs.
ROUND 1
1. St. Louis – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma -His true talent won’t be readily obvious in 2010, only due to an average receiving corps and an offensive line that needs attention. Look for Pro Bowl appearances to start after his 3rd season.
2. Detroit – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska -Suh improved every year at Nebraska, while constantly playing against high-powered offenses littered with current/future NFL talent.
3. Tampa Bay – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma -The Bucs’ new favorite player is actually Sam Bradford. Thanks to his incredible Pro Day workout, they get the DT they desperately wanted.
4. Washington – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St. –LT Chris Samuels is gone, and the rest of the cupboard is below average. They got their QB, so how about keeping him upright now?
5. Kansas City – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee -The Ed Reed comparisons are legit, and I have Berry as the top overall player in this class. They gave up too soon on Bernard Pollard which is why this pick should be a no-brainer.
6. Seattle – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa -The Walter Jones era at LT is essentially over and Bulaga is one of the safest, NFL ready players who carries a 1st round grade. Nice compliment to last year’s 2nd rounder Max Unger.
7. Cleveland – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame -With the Delhomme signing, this is a perfect situation for Clausen. He can sit for a year and learn while Cleveland builds some talent for him to work with in 2011.
8. Oakland – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma -Another solid, yet unspectacular Tackle from a high-level college program. Arguably the most sound pass-blocker amongst the top linemen.
9. Buffalo – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers -They’ll get their QB in round 2, but for now let’s begin the rebuilding process for a depleted offensive line. Davis is raw but has unlimited upside if he chooses to reach it.
10. Jacksonville – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech -Aaron Kampman was brought in as a free agent, but both he and Morgan could rotate between DE and OLB to vastly improve a terrible pass rush.
11. Denver – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama -I have him rated slightly higher than Aaron Curry was last year, and Curry went 4th overall. Denver revamped their defensive line this offseason but still need a bellcow LB. McClain will be an immediate starter.
12. Miami – Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas -1 slot earlier than ex-teammate Brian Orakpo went last year, and Kindle’s a carbon copy, minus a few lbs. Will team with newcomer Karlos Dansby to give Parcells the LB corps he always loves having. Immediate upgrade over departed Joey Porter.
13. San Francisco – Joe Haden, CB, Florida -He ran a bit slow at the Combine, which is the only reason he’ll be available here. The most complete cornerback by far in this draft has the ball skills to be a “shutdown” type defender.
14. Seattle – C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson -Ironically, Chris Johnson cracked the 2,000 yard plateau against the Seahawks last season. Spiller may be half a step slower, but is basically a clone in how he runs, and is reportedly one of the best “character guys” coming out.
15. N.Y. Giants – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri -He’ll start and excel quickly in a roster spot vacated by longtime Giant Antonio Pierce. Versatile tackling machine can occupy any of the LB spots.
16. Tennessee – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee -Relocation fees will be minimal, plus they have a track record of success with former Volunteer linemen. (Haynesworth) Fantastic run defender.
17. San Francisco – Mike Iupati, G, Idaho -Can start right away at either Guard spot with the potential of kicking outside to RT as a bookend to Joe Staley. Plays with a Singletary-esque mean streak.
18. Pittsburgh – Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida -Underrated C/G with heavy experience dealing with the toughest collegiate defenders in the country, both in games and practice. It’s past time to start the reclamation project that is the Steelers offensive line.
19. Atlanta – Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan -One of the Senior Bowl stars constantly draws comparisons to former Wolverine Lamarr Woodley, both in physique and skillset. True 3-down player who can kick back to OLB occasionally.
20. Houston – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St. –Speedy cover guy who steps in seamlessly for Dunta Robinson, and is also a very accomplished return man. When you’re trying to get over the “Indy hump” to win your division, guys like Wilson are a must-have commodity.
21. Cincinnati – Earl Thomas, S, Texas -He was stellar during the Longhorns’ pro day and very likely won’t drop this far. If he does he’s the best coverage Safety to come along in several years and Cincy has a future perennial pro bowler on their hands.
22. New England – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St. –Easily the most polarizing first round prospect. New England is the type of environment necessary to straighten up his off-field act, and they have enough quality draft choices to take a chance on this Terrell Owens clone. Top-5 talent if he wasn’t such a train wreck.
23. Green Bay – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland -Athletically speaking, he’s the most gifted of the upper-tier lineman. That rarely translated into production at Maryland, however. His upside coupled with a serious need make him worth the risk as Rodgers’ blindside protector for the foreseeable future.
24. Philadelphia – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida -The only hesistancy I have with JPP as a top-10 pick is the lack of a track record. Like the Patriots, they have enough quality picks to afford themselves this boom-or-bust gamble.
25. Baltimore – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida -Character concerns are the only thing preventing Dunlap from being a top-10 pick. He’s THAT talented when the light bulb is on. Being exposed to this defensive locker room should get his mind right.
26. Arizona – Everson Griffin, DE, USC -Jerry Hughes from TCU is a coin-flip at this spot for the Cards, but I think Griffen fills a more immediate need since he’s better suited as a true DE in a 34 front, which they need. Calais Campbell is serviceable but inconsistent and Dockett is aging.
27. Dallas – Taylor Mays, S, USC -I still maintain that Mays fits better as a LB, but after losing Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin in consecutive seasons, why not bring in a better athlete than both?
28. San Diego – Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno St. -Should be a no-brainer unless he’s already been picked. Rare 3-down type RB to fill the L.T. void. Front “runner” for Offensive R.O.Y.
29. N.Y. Jets – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame - Seriously productive against a high competition level, all while operating in a pro-style system. You know exactly what you’re getting with Tate, which could ultimately equate to a young Steve Smith (CAR).
30. Minnesota – Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama -Well-coached instinctive corner who fits perfectly into this cover-2 scheme. Winfield is aging and Cedric Griffin is coming off a troubling injury. Jackson’s cover skills are NFL-ready.
31. Indianapolis – Jared Odrick, DT, Penn St. –Fills the only real obvious hole on this roster. Indy drafted 2 DT’s last year (Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor) and neither impressed. Smaller, quicker lineman like the Colts prefer, who can be disruptive inside the tackles.
32. New Orleans – Jerry Hughes, LB/DE, Texas Christian -Desperately needed pass-rusher can step in right away for Scott Fujita. Can also put his hand down at DE on passing downs.
