My big board for the Titans (of the players who may be there)*:

 

1. Jason Pierre Paul, DE, South Florida

2. Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

3. Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

4. Earl Thomas, CB/S, Texas

5. Joe Haden, CB, Florida

6. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

7. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

8. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

9. Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

10. Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

11. Trade Down

Thoughts?

 

One other note: besides Bradford, Suh, and Berry, I think Kyle Wilson is the only other 'sure thing' star in this draft.

 

*Note: This is how I personally rate them, not how I think the Titans rate them (although for all I know that may be the same)

 

I'd encourage others to make big boards to compare where MCMers stand before the draft 

1st Round

1 St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)
2. Detroit Lions -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)
4. Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)
5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)
6. Seattle Seahawks -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma)
7. Cleveland Browns -- Earl Thomas (S, Texas)
8. Oakland Raiders -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida)
9. Buffalo Bills -- Brian Bulaga (T, Iowa)
10. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Joe Haden (CB, Florida)
11. Denver Broncos -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State)
12. Miami Dolphins -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)
13. San Francisco 49ers -- C.J. Spiller (HB, Clemson)
14. Seattle Seahawks -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)
15. New York Giants -- Rolando McClain (ILB/OLB, Alabama)
16. Tennessee Titans -- Brandon Graham (DE, Michigan)
17. San Francisco 49ers -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers)
18. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)
19. Atlanta Falcons -- Everson Griffen (DE, USC)
20. Houston Texans -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)
21. Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)
22. New England Patriots -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)
23. Green Bay Packers --  Charles Brown (T, USC)
24. Philadelphia Eagles -- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)
25. Baltimore Ravens -- Devin McCourtey (CB, Rutgers)
26. Arizona Cardinals -- Jerry Hughes (OLB, TCU)
27. Dallas Cowboys -- Mike Iupati (G/T, Idaho)
28. San Diego Chargers -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State)
29. New York Jets -- Jared Odrick (DT/3-4 DE, Penn State)
30. Minnesota Vikings -- Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame)
31. Indianapolis Colts -- Maurkice Pouncey (G/C, Florida)
32. New Orleans Saints -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri) 

2nd Round

33. St. Louis Rams -- Tyson Alualu (DT, California)
34. Detroit Lions -- Jahvid Best (RB, California)
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida) 
36. Kansas City Chiefs -- Terrence Cody (NT, Alabama)

37. Philadelphia Eagles -- Daryl Washington (OLB/ILB, TCU)
38. Cleveland Browns -- Colt McCoy (QB, Texas)
39. Oakland Raiders -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland)
40. San Diego Chargers --  Cam Thomas (NT, North Carolina)

41. Buffalo Bills -- Linval Joseph (NT, East Carolina)
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame)
43. Denver Broncos -- Taylor Mays (S, USC)
44. New England Patriots -- Damian Williams (WR, USC)
45. Denver Broncos -- Corey Wootton (DE, Northwestern)
46. New York Giants -- Roger Saffold (T/G, Indiana)
47. New England Patriots -- Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)
48. Carolina Panthers -- Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)
49. San Francisco 49ers -- Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)
50. Kansas City Chiefs -- Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)
51. Houston Texans -- Toby Gerhart (RB, Stanford)
52. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Nate Allen (S, South Florida)
53. New England Patriots -- Alex Carrington (DE, Arkansas State)
54. Cincinnati Bengals -- Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU)
55. Philadelphia Eagles -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA)
56. Green Bay Packers -- Chris Cook (CB, Virginia)
57. Baltimore Ravens -- Anthony McCoy (TE, USC)
58. Arizona Cardinals -- Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State)
59. Dallas Cowboys -- Morgan Burnett (S, Georgia Tech)
60. Seattle Seahawks -- Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State)
61. New York Jets -- Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forrest)
62. Minnesota Vikings -- Lamaar Houston (DT, Texas)
63. Indianapolis Colts -- Amari Spivey (CB, Iowa) --- was joking about Tim Tebow (QB, Florida)
64. New Orleans Saints -- Arthur Jones (DT, Syracuse)

I really appreciate all the comments on the last mock. I read all of them and in many cases changed the mock because of them. Any further comments would also be appreciated.

Also, please don't just say you don't like a pick, please give a suggestion of one or a few players you would like to see at that pick instead.

Quick note on Jimmy Clausen: I'm not alone in thinking he's not an elite QB: MoveTheSticks (a former Ravens and Browns scout) doesn't like him and ESPN.com's Scout's Inc. has him as the 38th overall prospect, giving him a grade of 88. He could go high, but I don't think it is too out of the realm of possibility that he may fall.

 

 

1st Round

1. St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

2. Detroit Lions -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska) 

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma) 

4. Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)

6. Seattle Seahawks -- C.J. Spiller (HB, Clemson) 

7. Cleveland Browns -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

8. Oakland Raiders -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida)

9. Buffalo Bills -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma) 

10. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Rolando McClain (ILB/OLB, Alabama) 

11. Denver Broncos -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)

12. Miami Dolphins --  Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan) 

13. San Francisco 49ers -- Brian Bulaga (T, Iowa)

14. Seattle Seahawks -- Charles Brown (T, USC) 

15. New York Giants -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA)

16. Tennessee Titans -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech) 

17. San Francisco 49ers -- Earl Thomas (S/CB, Texas)

18. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Iupati (G/RT, Idaho)

19. Atlanta Falcons -- Everson Griffen (DE, USC)

20. Houston Texans -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)

21. Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

22. New England Patriots -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

22. Green Bay Packers -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers)

24. Philadelphia Eagles -- Joe Haden (CB/S, Florida)

25. Baltimore Ravens -- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)

26. Arizona Cardinals -- Jerry Hughes (OLB, TCU)

27. Dallas Cowboys -- Maurkice Pouncey (G/C, Florida) 

28. San Diego Chargers -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State) 

29. New York Jets -- Jared Odrick (DT/DE, Penn State) 

30. Minnesota Vikings -- Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame)

31. Indianapolis Colts -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

32. New Orleans Saints -- Daryl Washington (OLB/ILB, TCU)

 

2nd Round

33. St. Louis Rams -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame) 

34. Detroit Lions -- Jahvid Best (RB, California)

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)

36. Kansas City Chiefs -- Brandon Spikes (ILB, Florida)

37. Washington Redskins -- Jonathan Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech)

38. Cleveland Browns -- Devin McCourtey (CB, Rutgers)

39. Oakland Raiders -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland)

40. Seattle Seahawks -- Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State)

41. Buffalo Bills -- Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama) 

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)

43. Miami Dolphins -- Taylor Mays (S, USC)

44. New England Patriots -- Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)

45. Denver Broncos -- Damian Williams (WR, USC)

46. New York Giants -- Roger Saffold (T/G, Indiana)

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

48. Carolina Panthers -- Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)

49. San Francisco 49ers -- Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)

50. Kansas City Chiefs -- Cam Thomas (NT, North Carolina)

51. Houston Texans -- Toby Gerhart (RB, Stanford) 

52. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Nate Allen (S, South Florida)

53. New England Patriots -- Montario Hardesty (RB, Tennessee) 

54. Cincinnati Bengals -- Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU)

55. Philadelphia Eagles -- Navaorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State)

56. Green Bay Packers -- Chris Cook (CB, Virginia)

57. Baltimore Ravens -- Anthony McCoy (TE, USC)

58. Arizona Cardinals -- Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State)

59. Dallas Cowboys -- Morgan Burnett (S, Georgia Tech)

60. San Diego Chargers -- Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forrest)

61. New York Jets -- Taylor Price (WR, Ohio)

62. Minnesota Vikings -- Lamaar Houston (DT, Texas) 

63. Indianapolis Colts -- Jared Veldheer (T, Hillsdale)

64. New Orleans Saints -- Tyson Alualu (DT, California)

 

3rd Round

65. St. Louis Rams -- Arthur Jones (DT, Syracuse)

66. Detroit Lions -- Jon Asamoah (G, Illinois)

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Riley Cooper (WR, Florida)

68. Washington Redskins -- Forfeited for 2009 Supplemental Draft Pick

69. Kansas City Chiefs -- Jordan Shipley (WR, Texas)

70. Oakland Raiders -- Eric Norwood (OLB, South Carolina)

71. Philadelphia Eagles -- Corey Wooton (DE, Northwestern)

72. Cleveland Browns -- Colt McCoy (QB, Texas) 

73. Buffalo Bills -- Tim Tebow (QB/FB/H-back/TE, Florida) 

74. Miami Dolphins -- Dexter McCluster (WR/RB, Mississippi)

75. Jacksonville Jaguars -- J.D. Walton (C, Baylor)

76. Chicago Bears -- Tony Washington (T, Abilene Christian)

77. New York Giants -- Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State) 

78. Tennessee Titans -- Dominique Franks (CB, Oklahoma)

79. Carolina Panthers -- Mike Neal (DT, Purdue)

80. San Francisco 49ers -- Eric Decker (WR, Minnesota)

81. Denver Broncos -- Mike Johnson (G, Alabama)

82. Houston Texans -- Chad Jones (S, LSU) 

83. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Thaddeus Gibson (OLB, Ohio State)

84. Atlanta Falcons -- Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida)

85. Cincinnati Bengals -- Larry Asante (S, Nebraska) 

86. Oakland Raiders -- Vladimir Ducasse (G, Massachusetts)

87. Green Bay Packers -- Joe McKnight (RB, USC)

88. Philadelphia Eagles -- Ben Tate (RB, Auburn) 

89. Arizona Cardinals -- Al Woods (NT, LSU) 

90. Arizona Cardinals -- Kyle Calloway (T, Iowa)

91. Dallas Cowboys -- Darryl Sharpton (ILB, Miami)

92. San Diego Chargers -- Greg Hardy (DE, Mississippi)

93. Cleveland Browns -- Koa Misi (DE/OLB, Utah)

94. Minnesota Vikings -- Donovan Warren (CB, Michigan)

95. Indianapolis Colts -- Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)

96. New Orleans Saints -- Ed Dickson (TE, Oregon) 

 

 

Best Players Available (in no particular order)

QB

Dan LeFevour (QB, Central Michigan)

Jarrett Brown (QB, West Virginia)

Tony Pike (QB, Cincinnati)

Jevan Snead (QB, Mississippi)

 

HB

Anthony Dixon (RB, Mississippi State)

 

WR

Jeremy Williams (WR, Tulane)

Mike Williams (WR, Syracuse)

Andre Roberts (WR, Citadel)

 

TE

Colin Peek (TE, Alabama)

Dorin Dickerson (TE, Pittsburgh)

Jimmy Graham (TE, Miami)

Dennis Pitta (TE, BYU)

 

T

Jason Fox (T, Miami)

Chris Scott (RT/G, Tennessee)

Selvish Capers (T, West Virginia)

 

G/C

Zane Beadles (G, Utah)

John Jerry (G, Mississippi)

Mitch Petrus (G, Arkansas)

Sergio Render (G, Virginia Tech)

Shawn Lauvao (G, Arizona State)

Chris Scott (RT/G, Tennessee)

 

DE

Willie Young (DE, NC State)

George Selvie (DE, South Florida) 

 

DT

D’Anthony Smith (DT, Louisiana Tech)

Geno Atkins (DT, Georgia)

Vince Oghobaase (DT, Duke)

Arthur Moats (DT, James Madison)

 

OLB

Rennie Curan (OLB, Georgia)

Perry Riley (OLB, LSU)

Jason Worilds (DE/OLB, Virginia Tech)

Jermaine Cunningham (DE/OLB, Florida)

O’Brien Schofield (OLB, Wisconsin)

A.J. Edds (OLB, Iowa)

Roddrick Muckelroy (DE/OLB, Texas)

Brandon Lang (DE/OLB, Troy)

 

ILB

Pat Angerer (ILB, Iowa)

 

CB

Amari Spievey (CB, Iowa)

Javier Arenas (CB, Alabama)

Jerome Murphy (CB, South Florida)

Syd’Quan Thompson (CB, California)

Myron Lewis (CB, Vanderbilt)

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (CB, Indiana (PA))

 

S

Reshad Jones (S, Georgia)

T.J. Ward (S, Oregon)

Kam Chancellor (S, Virginia Tech)

Major Wright (S, Florida)

Darrell Stuckey (S, Kansas)

Justin Woodall (S, Alabama)

I'd appreciate any comments/suggestions you have.

Also, if you say you dislike a pick, please make a suggestion of a player or players you would like at that pick instead.

 

 

1st Round

1. St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

2. Detroit Lions -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska) 

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma) 

4. Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)

6. Seattle Seahawks -- C.J. Spiller (HB, Clemson) 

7. Cleveland Browns -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

8. Oakland Raiders -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida)

9. Buffalo Bills -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers)

10. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Rolando McClain (ILB/OLB, Alabama) 

11. Denver Broncos -- Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan) 

12. Miami Dolphins -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)

13. San Francisco 49ers -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma)

14. Seattle Seahawks -- Charles Brown (T, USC) 

15. New York Giants -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA)

16. Tennessee Titans -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech) 

17. San Francisco 49ers -- Earl Thomas (S/CB, Texas)

18. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Iupati (G/RT, Idaho)

19. Atlanta Falcons -- Everson Griffen (DE, USC)

20. Houston Texans -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)

21. Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

22. New England Patriots -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

23. Green Bay Packers --  Bryan Bulaga (T, Iowa) 

24. Philadelphia Eagles -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

25. Baltimore Ravens -- Joe Haden (CB/S, Florida)

26. Arizona Cardinals -- Jerry Hughes (OLB, TCU)

27. Dallas Cowboys -- Maurkice Pouncey (G/C, Florida) 

28. San Diego Chargers -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State) 

29. New York Jets -- Jared Odrick (DT/DE, Penn State) 

30. Minnesota Vikings -- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)

31. Indianapolis Colts -- Lamaar Houston (DT, Texas)

32. New Orleans Saints -- Daryl Washington (OLB/ILB, TCU)

2nd Round

33. St. Louis Rams -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame) 

34. Detroit Lions -- Jahvid Best (RB, California)

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)

36. Kansas City Chiefs -- Brandon Spikes (ILB, Florida)

37. Washington Redskins -- Jonathan Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech)

38. Cleveland Browns -- Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame) 

39. Oakland Raiders -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland)

40. Seattle Seahawks -- Devin McCourtey (CB, Rutgers)

41. Buffalo Bills -- Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama) 

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)

43. Miami Dolphins -- Taylor Mays (S, USC)

44. New England Patriots -- Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)

45. Denver Broncos -- Damian Williams (WR, USC)

46. New York Giants -- Roger Saffold (T/G, Indiana)

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

48. Carolina Panthers -- Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)

49. San Francisco 49ers -- Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)

50. Kansas City Chiefs -- Navaorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State)

51. Houston Texans -- Toby Gerhart (RB, Stanford)

52. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State)

53. New England Patriots -- Montario Hardesty (RB, Tennessee) 

54. Cincinnati Bengals -- Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU)

55. Philadelphia Eagles -- Nate Allen (S, South Florida)

56. Green Bay Packers -- Chris Cook (CB, Virginia)

57. Baltimore Ravens -- Anthony McCoy (TE, USC)

58. Arizona Cardinals -- Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State)

59. Dallas Cowboys -- Chad Jones (S, LSU)

60. San Diego Chargers -- Cam Thomas (NT, North Carolina)

61. New York Jets -- Taylor Price (WR, Ohio)

62. Minnesota Vikings -- Colt McCoy (QB, Texas)

63. Indianapolis Colts -- Jared Veldheer (T, Hillsdale)

64. New Orleans Saints -- Tyson Alualu (DT, California)

3rd Round

65. St. Louis Rams -- Arthur Jones (DT, Syracuse)

66. Detroit Lions -- Jon Asamoah (G, Illinois)

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Riley Cooper (WR, Florida)

68. Washington Redskins -- Forfeited for 2009 Supplemental Draft Pick

69. Kansas City Chiefs -- Jordan Shipley (WR, Texas)

70. Oakland Raiders -- Eric Norwood (OLB, South Carolina)

71. Philadelphia Eagles -- Corey Wooton (DE, Northwestern)

72. Cleveland Browns -- Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida)

73. Buffalo Bills --  Tim Tebow (QB/FB/H-back/TE, Florida) 

74. Miami Dolphins -- Dexter McCluster (WR/RB, Mississippi)

75. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)

76. Chicago Bears -- Tony Washington (T, Abilene Christian)

77. New York Giants -- Dennis Pitta (TE, BYU)

78. Tennessee Titans -- Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forrest)

79. Carolina Panthers -- Mike Neal (DT, Purdue)

80. San Francisco 49ers -- Eric Decker (WR, Minnesota)

81. Denver Broncos -- J.D. Walton (C, Baylor)

82. Houston Texans -- Larry Asante (S, Nebraska)

83. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Thaddeus Gibson (OLB, Ohio State)

84. Atlanta Falcons -- Rennie Curan (OLB, Georgia)

85. Cincinnati Bengals -- Reshad Jones (S, Georgia)

86. Oakland Raiders -- Vladimir Ducasse (G, Massachusetts)

87. Green Bay Packers -- Joe McKnight (RB, USC)

88. Philadelphia Eagles -- Dominique Franks (CB, Oklahoma)

89. Arizona Cardinals -- Al Woods (NT, LSU) 

90. Arizona Cardinals -- Kyle Calloway (T, Iowa)

91. Dallas Cowboys -- Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State)

92. San Diego Chargers -- Greg Hardy (DE, Mississippi)

93. Cleveland Browns -- Koa Misi (DE/OLB, Utah)

94. Minnesota Vikings -- Zane Beadles (G, Utah)

95. Indianapolis Colts -- Jimmy Graham (TE, Miami)

96. New Orleans Saints -- Ed Dickson (TE, Oregon)

 

Best Players Avaliable

QB

Dan LeFevour (QB, Central Michigan)

Jarrett Brown (QB, West Virginia)

Tony Pike (QB, Cincinnati)

Jevan Snead (QB, Mississippi)

 

HB

Anthony Dixon (RB, Mississippi State)

 

WR

Jeremy Williams (WR, Tulane)

Mike Williams (WR, Syracuse)

Andre Roberts (WR, Citadel)

 

TE

Colin Peek (TE, Alabama)

Dorin Dickerson (TE, Pittsburgh)

 

T

Jason Fox (T, Miami)

Chris Scott (RT/G, Tennessee)

Selvish Capers (T, West Virginia)

 

G/C

Mike Johnson (G, Alabama)

John Jerry (G, Mississippi)

Mitch Petrus (G, Arkansas)

Sergio Render (G, Virginia Tech)

Shawn Lauvao (G, Arizona State)

Chris Scott (RT/G, Tennessee)

 

DE

Willie Young (DE, NC State)

George Selvie (DE, South Florida)

 

DT

D’Anthony Smith (DT, Louisiana Tech)

Geno Atkins (DT, Georgia)

Vince Oghobaase (DT, Duke)

Arthur Moats (DT, James Madison)

 

OLB

Perry Riley (OLB, LSU)

Jason Worilds (DE/OLB, Virginia Tech)

Jermaine Cunningham (DE/OLB, Florida)

O’Brien Schofield (OLB, Wisconsin)

A.J. Edds (OLB, Iowa)

Roddrick Muckelroy (DE/OLB, Texas)

Brandon Lang (DE/OLB, Troy)

 

ILB

Pat Angerer (ILB, Iowa)

Darryl Sharpton (ILB, Miami)

 

CB

Amari Spievey (CB, Iowa)

Javier Arenas (CB, Alabama)

Jerome Murphy (CB, South Florida)

Syd’Quan Thompson (CB, California)

Myron Lewis (CB, Vanderbilt)

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (CB, Indiana (PA))

 

S

T.J. Ward (S, Oregon)

Kam Chancellor (S, Virginia Tech)

Major Wright (S, Florida)

Darrell Stuckey (S, Kansas)

Morgan Burnett (S, Georgia Tech)

Justin Woodall (S, Alabama)

Many mocks have the Tennessee Titans taking a DT. The TItans don’t need a DT. Unless it is Suh or McCoy I guarantee they won’t take one in the 1st. This is a position many people think the Titans need more than they do. Just because the Titans defense declined post-Albert Haynsworth doesn’t mean it was because of the DT position. It was largely because our DEs were far worse and because Nick Harper couldn’t cover a rock. Albert drew double teams and that helped, but we have Jason Jones (2008 2nd round pick, great potential, way better off as a DT than as a DE), Tony Brown (Pro Bowl caliber), and Sen’Derrick Marks (2009 2nd round pick, also has tremendous potential). We also have hole-plugger Kevin Vickerson as our 4th DT. 

The Titans top needs are DE, CB, and OLB (along with a KR/PR). Second tier needs are S and RB if Lendale White ends up somewhere else. We won't be taking a DT in the first even if both Williams and Price are available, and probably won't take a DT in the first 4 rounds if we take one at all.

 

3/2

 

1) St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

2) Detroit Lions -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska) 

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma) 

4) Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

5) Kansas City Chiefs -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)

6) Seattle Seahawks -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE/OLB, South Florida)

7) Cleveland Browns -- Joe Haden (CB/S, Florida) 

8) Oakland Raiders -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers) 

9) Buffalo Bills -- Bryan Bulaga (T, Iowa)

10) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)

11) Denver Broncos -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)

12) Miami Dolphins -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

13) San Francisco 49ers -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma)

14) Seattle Seahawks -- Charles Brown (T, USC) 

15) New York Giants -- Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama) 

16) Tennessee Titans -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

17) San Francisco 49ers -- C.J. Spiller (HB/KR/PR, Clemson) 

18) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Iupati (G/RT, Idaho)

19) Atlanta Falcons -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)

20) Houston Texans -- Earl Thomas (S/CB, Texas)

21) Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

22) Buffalo Bills (in a trade with New England) -- Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame) 

23) Green Bay Packers -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland) 

24) Philadelphia Eagles -- Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)

25) Baltimore Ravens -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame) 

26) Arizona Cardinals -- Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan) 

27) Dallas Cowboys -- Maurkice Pouncey (G/C, Florida) 

28) San Diego Chargers -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State)

29) New York Jets -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

30) Minnesota Vikings -- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)

31) Indianapolis Colts -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA) 

32) New Orleans Saints -- Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State) 

Top Players for Titans

Talent + Need (of those who could, potentially, be there at 16)

1. Joe Haden (CB, Florida)
2. Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida)
3. Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama) (move him to OLB)
4. Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)
5. Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)
6. Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)
7. Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)
8. Earl Thomas (S, Texas) (move to CB, as MoveTheSticks says he can)
9. Brandon Graham (DE, Michigan) 
10. Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)
11. Everson Griffen (DE, USC)

Thoughts?

Obviously, FA will have a big impact. If we get Kampman, we probably won't pick a DE, if we get Bodden, we probably won't pick a CB, and if we get Dansby, we probably won't pick an OLB

 

3/2

 

1) St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

2) Detroit Lions -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska) 

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma) 

4) Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

5) Kansas City Chiefs -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)

6) Seattle Seahawks -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE/OLB, South Florida)

7) Cleveland Browns -- Joe Haden (CB/S, Florida) 

8) Oakland Raiders -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers) 

9) Buffalo Bills -- Bryan Bulaga (T, Iowa)

10) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)

11) Denver Broncos -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)

12) Miami Dolphins -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

13) San Francisco 49ers -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma)

14) Seattle Seahawks -- Charles Brown (T, USC) 

15) New York Giants -- Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama) 

16) Tennessee Titans -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

17) San Francisco 49ers -- C.J. Spiller (HB/KR/PR, Clemson) 

18) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Iupati (G/RT, Idaho)

19) Atlanta Falcons -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)

20) Houston Texans -- Earl Thomas (S/CB, Texas)

21) Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

22) Buffalo Bills (in a trade with New England) -- Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame) 

23) Green Bay Packers -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland) 

24) Philadelphia Eagles -- Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)

25) Baltimore Ravens -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame) 

26) Arizona Cardinals -- Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan) 

27) Dallas Cowboys -- Maurkice Pouncey (G/C, Florida) 

28) San Diego Chargers -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State)

29) New York Jets -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

30) Minnesota Vikings -- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)

31) Indianapolis Colts -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA) 

32) New Orleans Saints -- Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State) 

 

Mock Draft, Updated 2/9

 

This is a four round mock draft, which I will update periodically. Please comment, especially on your perception of team needs. 

* Denotes a coin flip will decide draft order 

ROUND 1

  1) St. Louis Rams -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)

St. Louis badly needs a DT to anchor their defense. Suh is the best player in the draft, and the best DT prospect in a long, long time. Although they could also go T or QB here, the Rams take a guy who has the ability to be as much of a game and team changer as Albert Haynsworth would be if he tried every play.

  2) Detroit Lions -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)

To say Detroit's defense is bad is an understatement. McCoy will be the anchor of their defense for years to come.  Their other main position of need is T, and they would be a prime candidate to trade down if anyone is targeting Berry or Morgan. If Suh drops to #2, Detroit sets the record for quickest draft selection. 

  3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)

The theme of the top of the draft: defense. Tampa Bay's is aging and lacking playmakers. They go with an Ed Reed-type safety who will instantly give their defense an identity they have lacked. They could also go with Morgan here, or trade down to select Dez Bryant.

  4) Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

 A lot of people expect Washington to go QB here, but I think Shanahan gives a talented Jason Campbell a chance. Campbell's biggest downside, and it is a major downside, is that he doesn't appear to be the kind of leader you would want in a QB. Having said that, Washington's bigger need is on the offensive line, especially with Chris Samuels getting up their in age, so the Redskins select the best available tackle. Shanahan knows the importance of a great LT like he had in Ryan Clady in Denver.

  5) Kansas City Chiefs -- Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama) 

Kansas City's run blocking was 31st in the league and their pass blocking was ranked 26th (h/t Drew K). Some think Brandon Albert isn't cutting it as an NFL LT and would be better suited at RT. However, Albert improved greatly. over the second half of the season. The Chiefs might select Okung here if he falls and move Albert to RT if they grade Okung high, but if Okung and Eric Berry are not there I think the Chiefs go with the future anchor of their defense in McClain. Pioli chose Jerod Mayo high when he was with the Chiefs and knows he needs to improve this defense. Kansas City also needs help on S, CB, and at WR, so I think they would take Berry if he was available, and they are also a candidate to trade down if they like other Ts.

  6) Seattle Seahawks -- Jimmy Clauson (QB, Notre Dame)

With two first round picks, Seattle has the amo to trade up if they really want Berry or one of the top DTs. Their offensive line has been terrible and soft this year, so I think they could select the best OT available. Matt Hasselback's skills have declined and he is getting up there in age. Seattle selects his eventual replacement in Clauson. The guy just seems like a Pete Carrol type of QB. 

  7) Cleveland Browns -- Joe Haden (CB, Florida) 

Cleveland seemed to improve at the end of the season, but they still have a lot of team needs. CB, S, DE, WR, QB. I'm not a fan of either of their QBs, but I think Holmgren and Mangini will give Brady Quinn one more year to prove himself. The pick could easily be Clauson, Bradford, Morgan or Dez Bryant, but I think Cleveland goes with fulfilling their dire need of improving their secondary. They already have one good CB, but none of their other CBs are starter-quality.

1. 8) Oakland Raiders -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers) 
2. The Jamarcus Russel experiment should be over. He's horrible, but Al Davis doesn't know that. Oakland also has needs at QB, T, DT, DE, CB (#2), and WR. Other possible selections here are Clauson, Williams (T, Oklahoma), Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech), Dunlap (DE, Florida), and Joe Haden if he’s available, who could cause Al Davis to dream of having two shut-down corners. In the end, Oakland probably goes with the guy who runs the fastest 40 (thank goodness they didn’t pick Chris Johnson 2 years ago). Having said that, I’ve still got them picking Davis, who is athletic and has tremendous potential. LT Mario Henderson and RT Cornell Green aren’t exactly making any Pro Bowls any time soon, and Al Davis will want to give Russel and McFadden all the chances he can.

9) Buffalo Bills -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

Buffalo has a major need at QB here. Trent Edwards seemed like he was the future for a while, but he really regressed this past year. I think they may take a T here because their offensive live is awful, but the Bills choose to address that need later and take Bradford.. Buffalo could also go NT, Rush OLB,  WR, or T here. The major problem for the Bills is that there probably won’t be any high-grade tackles available when they pick in the second round, so they really need to make either QB or T a priority via a trade or free agency and fix the other need with this draft choice.

10) Denver Broncos -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)*

Denver had two first round picks because of the Bears trade, but traded one away to the Seahawks to select Alfonso Smith, CB, in the second round last year. If anyone saw the running clinic the Kansas City Chiefs put on Denver, they know the Broncos main need is defense. If McClain is there, I think they take him, but seeing as he is not, Denver decides to go with a NT here and select Williams. They could also select an ILB, DE, S, WR, or 3-4 OLB (if they lose Dumervil to FA). I think they keep Marshall, and therefore take a NT to anchor their 3-4 D

11) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)* 

Jacksonville needs DT, DE, CB, S, and TE (some say QB, but Garrard is good enough).  I think they'll take the best DE avaliable on their board, which could be Pierre-Paul, Dunlap, or Morgan. They could also go Thomas (S) or Price (DT) here. Some think they'll pick Tebow here, but I don't buy it. The Jags were last in the NFL in sacks this year, so they need help on the d-line, and I think they ultimately go with Morgan

1. 12) Miami Dolphins -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 
2. Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are getting up there in age, so the Dolphins could select Kindle or Graham as 3-4 OLB when either Taylor or Porter eventually leaves or retires. However, Ted Ginn has never lived up to expectations, and none of their other WRs are dynamic enough to bring out all of Chad Henne’s talent, so the Dolphins select Dez Bryant, who many scouts have ranked higher than Crabtree was coming out last year.

13) San Francisco 49ers -- Earl Thomas (S, Texas) 

San Fran badly needs an impact safety, so they select the highest ranked safety in the draft in Thomas

14) Seattle Seahawks -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland) 

Seattle's O-line was awful this year, and they go with the best O-lineman available that fits their scheme. After workouts/the combine, this might be Bulaga or Williams, but for the time being it is Campbell. They could also go DT or DE here.

15) New York Giants -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA) 

The Giants once great defense was subpar, even bad last year. They have major needs at MLB, S, DT, RT, and CB. The Giants improve their D-line by taking the best DT available, but they could also go Earl Thomas if he’s available, go with a DE, or go with Spikes if he runs a good 40.

16) Tennessee Titans -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida)*

As a Titans fan, I think the Titans should trade up to get Haden. Nick Harper was absolutely awful this season as the Titans #2 corner, and Rod Hood didn't do much better when he got the start in Week 17 vs. Seattle. Also, if Earl Thomas falls, I'm fairy sure we would take him and move him to CB. The Titans also have needs at OLB, DE, DT if Tony Brown is not re-signed, S (Griffin has regressed and Hope's skills are declining with age) and they may select a MLB and either move him to OLB or move their MLB (Tulluch) to OLB. If Haden falls here, I will scream at my TV for the Titans to take him, and I think they would. However, that’s more of a dream than a reality, and the Titans lack of a pass rush was a major reason for their decline from 2008/9 to 2009/10, and in a division with Schaub and Manning, the Titans will probably take a DE here. They could go with Graham, Griffen, or Dunlap, but here I think they would go with Pierre-Paul who has immense potential. Jim Washburn knowns how to get the most out of his players on the D-line. The Titans could also very easily go Kyle Wilson here, who could help not only at a dire need at CB but also in the return game, or go with Kindle, Bowman, or Weatherspoon at OLB, especially if Keith Bulluck is not resigned.

17) San Francisco 49ers -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma)*

San Fransisco is a young, talented team that still has a lot of needs. They have a LT in Joe Staley, but they badly need a RT (theirs gave up ten sacks last year), and pick an All-American one up in Williams. They could also select a S, DE/OLB, WR, CB, or NT here.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Iupati (G/RT, Idaho)

Some may think this is far too high for a guard, but the the Steeler’s offensive line was abused last year, really hampering an otherwise talented offense. At the same time their defense declined last year and is aging, so they may decide to go CB, S, DE, DT, or ILB here. However, I believe they will decide to go with an extremely talented guard with a mean streak and select Iupati, who scouts say will almost surely make several Pro Bowls in his career (even without about half the players dropping out of the Pro Bowl)

19) Atlanta Falcons -- Navorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State)*

The Falcons secondary is bad, but there is no CB here worth taking (I think Robinson is overrated and not worth a 1st round pick). The Falcons decide to sure up their run defense and a weak position at OLB and take Bowman, who has off-field problems but comes from LB U and appears to be very talented.

20) Houston Texans -- C. J. Spiller (HB, Clemson)*

Chris Brown and Ryan Moats were the Texan's starting running back at different times last year. Arian Fosterdid well in his last start for the Texans in Week 17, but the Texans would jump at the chance to select an electrifying, multipurpose back in Spiller. After all, they face one twice a year in Chris Johnson. Spiller has similar skills, although he doesn't quite have 4.24 speed. The Texans could also take a DE, DT or S here. The Mays v. Price v. Spiller call would be difficult, but I think they would go with Spiller.

21) Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

At first, I thought Cinci would take a DE here. Antwan Odom will presumably be healthy next year, but the Bengals other DEs, Jonathan Fanene and Robert Geathers, don't exactly make defensive coordinators nervous. The Bengals would love to see such a talented, yet raw, defensive end fall to them as Pierre-Paul. The Bengals could also take a G like Iupati, a DE, or a WR here. However, after watching their offense struggle in the playoffs, I think the Bengals will take an extremely talented TE in Gresham instead.

22) New England Patriots -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

1. The Patriots have 3 second round picks, so they could move up if they are interested in a specific player like CJ Spiller. Here, with their pass rush not being what it once was, I think they take a pass rushing DE/OLB in Kindle. They may also take a FS like Taylor Mays in this scenario, go for a WR, or draft a RB, but I think they improve their linebacking core here.

23) Green Bay Packers -- Bryan Bulaga (T, Iowa)

The Packers biggest weakness is their offensive line, specifically their tackles. Bulaga is the best tackle available. The Packers gave up a lead leading 51 sacks last year, so although they also need a rush linebacker, they address their need on the offensive line first.

24) Philadelphia Eagles -- Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)

Philly’s defense was embarrassed by the Cowboys, so they go with the best available player left on the board at DE, and that player is Dunlap, who has tremendous potential but plays too high sometimes and has some consistency and motor issues.

25) Baltimore Ravens -- Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)

Derrick Mason is still producing, but he's old, and may retire. Mark Clayton can now surely be labeled a bust. The Ravens two main needs are WR and CB, but there aren't any CBs here worth taking. The Ravens go with the top WR on their board. 

26) Arizona Cardinals --  Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan)

The Cardinals are a team that has done very well the last two years but still seemingly has a lot of needs at key positions. They need a LT, DE/OLB, DT and G. Their offensive line was horrible against the Saints and their defense was awful throughout the playoffs. In the end, this pick comes down to Graham v. Sapp v. Brown. I think the Cardinals select whoever they have as the #1 rush linebacker on their board and in this case I have them selecting Graham.

27) Dallas Cowboys -- Charles Brown (T, USC)

The Cowboy's offensive line in the playoffs was awful. They take the best tackle available here in Brown.

28) San Diego Chargers -- Jonathan Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech)

San Diego has a huge need at RB, and select the best available here. 

29) New York Jets -- Jared Odrick (DT/DE, Penn State) 

The Jets need a 3-4 DE or 3-4 OLB. Odrick will be a great 3-4 DE who can switch to DT if need be. They still need a WR, but this is a BPA pick; a better value at WR will probably be found in the second round. Also, the Jets are the #1 team that should trade for Anquan Boldin. For the Jets sake, I hope this pick is Cardinal's pick come draft day. 

30) Minnesota Vikings -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Fresno State)

If Minnesota could draft an RB coach to teach AP not to fumble, they would. Instead, they decide to take the top CB available in Kyle Wilson. I think Tavaris Jackson is better than any of the QBs available at this point and/or that the Vikings will sign or trade a QB prior to the draft.

31) Indianapolis Colts -- Brandon Spikes (OLB/ILB, Florida)

Tony Ugoh has been a complete bust at T. For a team with a lot of of talent, they have a major need at tackle. However, with a projected 6 tackles going ahead of them in the 1st, there are no tackles to take here for 31st overall value. The Colts have a potential need at MLB with Gary Brackett hitting free agency, so they take a guy with great instincts in Spikes who can give their improved defense more of an attitude, and more skill.

32) New Orleans Saints -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

Who Dat? The Super Bowl champs improve their linebacking core by taking the talented Weatherspoon.

ROUND 2

2-1) STL -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame)

2-2) DET -- Everson Griffen (DE, USC) 

2-3) TB -- Damian Williams (WR, USC) 

2-4) KC -- Taylor Mays (S, USC) 

2-5) WAS -- Jahvid Best (RB, California)

2-6) CLE -- Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)

2-7) OAK -- Arthur Jones (DT, Syracuse) 

2-8) SEA -- Greg Hardy (DE, Mississippi)

2-9) BUF -- Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama) 

2-10) TB -- Alex Carrington (DE, Arkansas State)

2-11) MIA -- Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas)

2-12) NE -- Tyson Alualu (DE/DT, California) 

2-13)DEN -- Vladimir Ducasse (G/RT, Massachusetts)

2-14)NYG -- Nate Allen (S, South Florida)

2-15)NE -- Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU) 

2-16)CAR -- Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)

2-17)SF -- Jerry Hughes (DE/OLB, TCU)

2-18)KC -- Maurkice Pouncey (G/C, Florida) 

2-19)HOU -- Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State) 

2-20)PIT -- Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State)

2-21) CIN -- Gene Atkins (DT, Georgia)

2-22) NE -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State)

2-23) GB -- Dexter McCluster (RB/WR, Mississippi)

2-24) PHI -- Daryl Washington (OLB/ILB, TCU) 

2-25) BAL -- Morgan Burnett (S, Georgia Tech) 

2-26) ARI -- Kyle Calloway (T, Iowa)

2-27) DAL -- Chad Jones (S, LSU)

2-28) SD -- D'Anthony Smith (DT, Louisiana Tech)

2-29) NYJ -- Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)

2-30) MIN --  Jon Asamoah (G, Illinois) 

2-31) IND -- Corey Wootton (DE, Northwestern) 

2-32) NO -- Larry Asante (S, Nebraska)

ROUND 3

3-1) STL -- Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida) 

3-2) DET -- Chris Cook (CB, Virginia) 

3-3) TB --  Cam Thomas (DT, UNC)

3-4) WAS -- Forfeited for 2009 Supplemental Draft Pick

3-5) KC -- Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)

3-6) OAK -- Colt McCoy (QB, Texas)

3-7) PHI -- Reshad Jones (S, Georgia)

3-8) CLE -- Anthony McCoy (TE, USC) 

3-9) BUF -- Tony Washington (T, Abilene Christian)

3-10) MIA -- George Selvie (DE/OLB, South Florida)

3-11) CHI -- Zane Beadles (G, Utah)

3-12) JAX-- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)

3-13) NYG -- Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State)

3-14) CAR -- Mike Neal (DT, Purdue)

3-15) TEN -- Javier Arenas (CB/PR/KR, Alabama) 

3-16) SF --  Jordan Shipley (WR, Texas)

3-17) DEN -- Syd'Quan Thompson (CB, California) 

3-18) HOU -- J.D. Walton (G/C, Baylor) 

3-19) PIT -- Myron Rolle (S, Florida State)

3-20) ATL --  Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers) 

3-21) CIN -- Major Wright (S, Florida) 

3-22) OAK -- Rennie Curran (OLB, Georgia) 

3-23) GB --  Dominique Franks (CB, Oklahoma)

3-24) PHI --  Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forest)

3-25) BAL -- Donovan Warren (CB, Michigan)  

 3-26) ARI -- Ed Dickson (TE, Oregon)

3-27) DAL -- John Jerry (OG, Mississippi)

3-28) SD -- Taylor Price (WR, Ohio)

3-29) CLE -- Rodger Saffold (RT/G, Indiana)

3-30) MIN -- Roddrick Muckelroy (OLB, Texas)

3-31) IND -- Jared Veldheer (T, Hillsdale)

3-32) NO -- Al Woods (DT, LSU) 

ROUND 4

4-1) STL -- Mike Johnson (G, Alabama) 

4-2) DET -- Joe McKinight (RB, USC)

4-3) TB -- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (CB, Indiana-PA) 

4-4) KC -- Dezmon Briscoe (WR, Kansas)

4-5) WAS -- Jevan Snead (QB, Mississippi)

4-6) SEA -- Sergio Render (OG, Virginia Tech) 

4-7) CLE -- Toby Gerhart (RB, Stanford)

4-8) OAK -- Mike Williams (WR, Syracuse)

4-9) BUF -- Thaddeus Gibson (DE/OLB, Ohio State)  

4-10) CHI -- Amari Spivey (CB, Iowa)

4-11) JAX -- Nawa’akoa Misi (OLB, Utah)

4-12) MIA -- Vince Oghobaase (3-4 DE, Duke)

4-13) CAR -- Eric Decker (WR, Minnesota)

4-14) TEN -- Eric Norwood (OLB, South Carolina) 

4-15) SF -- Chris Scott (G, Tennessee) 

4-16) DEN --Tony Pike (QB, Cincinnati)

4-17) NYG -- Mitch Petrus (G, Arkansas)

4-18) PIT -- Darryl Sharpton (ILB, Miami)

4-19) ATL -- Dennis Pitta (TE, BYU)

4-20) HOU -- Kam Chancellor (S, Virginia Tech) 

4-21) CIN -- Andre Roberts (WR, The Citadel)

4-22) NE -- Jacoby Ford (WR, Clemson)

4-23) GB -- Jerome Murphy (CB, South Florida)

4-24) PHI -- Montorio Hardesty (RB, Tennessee)

4-25) BAL -- Jermaine Cunningham (DE/OLB, Florida)

4-26) ARI -- Dan LeFevour (QB, Central Michigan)

4-27) DAL -- Freddie Barnes (WR, Bowling Green)

4-28) SD -- Selvish Capers (T, West Virginia)

4-29) NYJ -- Myron Lewis (CB, Vanderbilt)

4-30) MIN -- Pat Angerer (ILB/OLB, Iowa)

4-31) IND -- Jimmy Graham (TE, Miami) 

4-32) NO -- Brandon Lang (DE/OLB, Troy)

 

Mock Draft, Updated 2/7

 

This is a three round mock draft, which I will update periodically. Please comment, especially on your perception of team needs. 

* Denotes a coin flip will decide draft order

 

A couple things I would love some input on:

1) Cleveland Browns fans -- do you think you guys would take Dez Bryant? Or do you feel good enough about your WRs/bad enough about your CB opposite Wright that you'll take Haden?

2) Indianapolis Colts Fans -- who do you think your team will take?\

3) Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals fans -- what do you see as you bigger need (considering talent available is close)? Tackle or rush OLB? (or an ILB like Spikes?)

4) Does anyone think their team will take TIm Tebow?

5) If the Browns don't take Dez Bryant, where will he fall to?

I appreciate your help and any comments/suggestions you have 

 

ROUND 1

  1) St. Louis Rams -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)

St. Louis badly needs a DT to anchor their defense. Suh is the best player in the draft, and the best DT prospect in a long, long time. Although they could also go T or QB here, the Rams take a guy who has the ability to be as much of a game and team changer as Albert Haynsworth would be if he tried every play.

  2) Detroit Lions -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)

To say Detroit's defense is bad is an understatement. McCoy will be the anchor of their defense for years to come.  Their other main position of need is T, and they would be a prime candidate to trade down if anyone is targeting Berry or Morgan. If Suh drops to #2, Detroit sets the record for quickest draft selection. 

  3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)

The theme of the top of the draft: defense. Tampa Bay's is aging and lacking playmakers. They go with an Ed Reed-type safety who will instantly give their defense an identity they have lacked. They could also go with Morgan here, or trade down to select Dez Bryant.

  4) Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

 A lot of people expect Washington to go QB here, but I think Shanahan gives a talented Jason Campbell a chance. Campbell's biggest downside, and it is a major downside, is that he doesn't appear to be the kind of leader you would want in a QB. Having said that, Washington's bigger need is on the offensive line, especially with Chris Samuels getting up their in age, so the Redskins select the best available tackle. Shanahan knows the importance of a great LT like he had in Ryan Clady in Denver.

  5) Kansas City Chiefs -- Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama) 

Kansas City's run blocking was 31st in the league and their pass blocking was ranked 26th (h/t Drew K). Some think Brandon Albert isn't cutting it as an NFL LT and would be better suited at RT. However, Albert improved greatly. over the second half of the season. The Chiefs might select Okung here if he falls and move Albert to RT if they grade Okung high, but if Okung and Eric Berry are not there I think the Chiefs go with the future anchor of their defense in McClain. Pioli chose Jerod Mayo high when he was with the Chiefs and knows he needs to improve this defense. Kansas City also needs help on S, CB, and at WR, so I think they would take Berry if he was available, and they are also a candidate to trade down if they like other Ts.

  6) Seattle Seahawks -- Jimmy Clauson (QB, Notre Dame)

With two first round picks, Seattle has the amo to trade up if they really want Berry or one of the top DTs. Their offensive line has been terrible and soft this year, so I think they could select the best OT available. Matt Hasselback's skills have declined and he is getting up there in age. Seattle selects his eventual replacement in Clauson. The guy just seems like a Pete Carrol type of QB. 

  7) Cleveland Browns -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

Cleveland seemed to improve at the end of the season, but they still have a lot of team needs. CB, S, DE, WR, QB. I'm not a fan of either of their QBs, but I think Holmgren and Mangini will give Brady Quinn one more year to prove himself. The pick could easily be Clauson, Bradford, Morgan or Joe Haden, but I think Cleveland goes with fulfilling their dire need of a #1 WR. The concensus in the mock draft world seems to be Joe Haden right now for the Browns, but I think Bryant fills a bigger need.

  8) Oakland Raiders -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)

The Jamarcus Russel experiment should be over. He's horrible, but Al Davis doesn't know that. Oakland also has needs at QB, T, DT, DE, CB (#2), and WR. Other possible selections here are Clauson, Williams (T, Oklahoma), Dunlap (DE, Florida), and Joe Haden, who could cause Al Davis to dream of having two shut-down corners. I'm very nervous about this pick of a premier DE in Morgan, because it would actually make sense. And this is Oakland.

  9) Buffalo Bills -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

Buffalo has a major need at QB here. Trent Edwards seemed like he was the future for a while, but he really regressed this past year. I think they may take a T here because their offensive live is awful, but the Bills choose to address that need later and take Bradford.. Buffalo could also go DT, DE, CB,  WR, or T here. The major problem for the Bills is that there probably won’t be any high-grade tackles available when they pick in the second round, so they really need to make either QB or T a priority via a trade or free agency and fix the other need with this draft choice.

10) Denver Broncos -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)*

Denver had two first round picks because of the Bears trade, but traded one away to the Seahawks to select Alfonso Smith, CB, in the second round last year. If anyone saw the running clinic the Kansas City Chiefs put on Denver, they know the Broncos main need is defense. If McClain is there, I think they take him, but seeing as he is not, Denver decides to go with a NT here and select Williams. They could also select an ILB, DE, S, WR (if they trade away Brandon Marshall), or 3-4 OLB (if they lose Dumervil to FA)

11) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida)*

Jacksonville needs DT, DE, CB, S, and TE (some say QB, but Garrard is good enough). I think they will trust that Cox will improve in his second year at CB, and pray that Nelson gets better at S. Therefore, I think they'll take Pierre-Paul, but they could easily go Dunlap, Haden, Thomas, or Price here. Some think they'll pick Tebow here, but I don't buy it. The Jags were last in the NFL in sacks this year, so they need help on the d-line.

12) Miami Dolphins -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are getting up there in age. The Dolphins select Kindle, who can start out lining up as a 3-4 DE while learning the 3-4 OLB position to take oven when either Taylor or Porter eventually leaves or retires. They could also go for WR Dez Bryant here, but I think they go Kindle.

13) San Francisco 49ers -- Earl Thomas (S, Texas) 

San Fran badly needs an impact safety, so they select the highest ranked safety in the draft in Thomas

14) Seattle Seahawks -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland) 

Seattle's O-line was awful this year, and they go with the best O-lineman available. After workouts/the combine, this might be Bulaga, Campbell, or Williams, but for the time being it is Davis. They could also go DT, DE, or CB here.

15) New York Giants -- Joe Haden (CB, Florida) 

The Giants once great defense was subpar, even bad last year. They also have major needs at MLB, S, DT, RT, and CB. The Giants improve their secondary a ton by taking the best corner in the draft.

16) Tennessee Titans -- Dunlap (DE, Florida)*

As a Titans fan, I think the Titans should trade up to get Haden. Nick Harper was absolutely awful this season as the Titans #2 corner, and Rod Hood didn't do much better when he got the start in Week 17 vs. Seattle. The Titans also have needs at OLB, DE, DT if Tony Brown is not re-signed, S (Griffin has regressed and Hope's skills are declining with age) and they may select a MLB and either move him to OLB or move their MLB (Tulluch) to OLB. If Haden falls here, I will scream at my TV for the Titans to take him, and I think they would. However, that’s more of a dream than a reality, and the Titans lack of a pass rush was a major reason for their decline from 2008/9 to 2009/10, and in a division with Schaub and Manning, the Titans will probably take a DE here. They could go with Graham, Griffen, or Pierre-Paul (if available) here, but in this scenario I think they would go with Dunlap, who has immense potential. Jim Washburn knowns how to get the most out of his players on the D-line.

17) San Francisco 49ers -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma)*

San Fransisco is a young, talented team that still has a lot of needs. They have a LT in Joe Staley, but they badly need a RT, and pick an All-American one up in Williams. They could also select a S, DE/OLB, WR, CB, or NT here.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Iupati (G/RT, Idaho)

Some may think this is far too high for a guard, but the the Steeler’s offensive line was abused last year, really hampering an otherwise talented offense. At the same time their defense declined last year and is aging, so they may decide to go CB, S, DE, DT, or ILB here. However, I believe they will decide to go with an extremely talented guard with a mean streak and select Iupati, who scouts say will almost surely make several Pro Bowls in his career (even without about half the players dropping out of the Pro Bowl)

19) Atlanta Falcons -- Navorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State)*

The Falcons secondary is bad, but there is no CB here worth taking (I think Robinson is overrated and not worth a 1st round pick). The Falcons decide to sure up their run defense and a weak position at OLB and take Bowman, who has off-field problems but comes from LB U and appears to be very talented.

20) Houston Texans -- C. J. Spiller (HB, Clemson)*

Chris Brown and Ryan Moats were the Texan's starting running back at different times last year. Arian Fosterdid well in his last start for the Texans in Week 17, but the Texans would jump at the chance to select an electrifying, multipurpose back in Spiller. After all, they face one twice a year in Chris Johnson. Spiller has similar skills, although he doesn't quite have 4.24 speed. The Texans could also take a DE, DT or S here. The Mays v. Price v. Spiller call would be difficult, but I think they would go with Spiller.

21) Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

At first, I thought Cinci would take a DE here. Antwan Odom will presumably be healthy next year, but the Bengals other DEs, Jonathan Fanene and Robert Geathers, don't exactly make defensive coordinators nervous. The Bengals would love to see such a talented, yet raw, defensive end fall to them as Pierre-Paul. The Bengals could also take a G like Iupati, a DE, or a WR here. However, after watching their offense struggle in the playoffs, I think the Bengals will take an extremely talented TE in Gresham instead.

22) New England Patriots -- Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan) 

The Patriots have 3 second round picks, so they could move up if they are interested in a specific player like CJ Spiller. Here, with their pass rush not being what it once was, I think they take a pass rushing DE/OLB in Graham. They may also take a FS like Taylor Mays in this scenario, go for a WR, or draft a RB, but I think they improve their linebacking core here.

23) Green Bay Packers -- Bryan Bulaga (T, Iowa)

The Packers biggest weakness is their offensive line, specifically their tackles. Bulaga is the best tackle avaliable.

24) Philadelphia Eagles -- Everson Griffen (DE, USC)

Philly’s defense was embarrassed by the Cowboys, so they go with the best available player left on the board at DE, and that player is Griffen.

25) Baltimore Ravens -- Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)

Derrick Mason is still producing, but he's old, and may retire. Mark Clayton can now surely be labeled a bust. The Ravens two main needs are WR and CB, but there aren't any CBs here worth taking. The Ravens go with the top WR on their board. 

26) Arizona Cardinals -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers)

The Cardinals are a team that has done very well the last two years but still seemingly has a lot of needs at key positions. They need a LT, DE/OLB, DT and G. Their offensive line was horrible against the Saints and their defense was awful throughout the playoffs. However, the Cardinals go with the best player available and take the talented Davis. If they feel NT is a bigger need, this could be Brian Price here. If Davis does not fall (and he really is too talented to fall this far, I need to figure out where he would go before this) I think the Cardinals take Sapp.

27) Dallas Cowboys -- Charles Brown (T, USC)

The Cowboy's offensive line in the playoffs was awful. They take the best tackle available here in Brown.

28) San Diego Chargers -- Jonathan Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech)

San Diego has a huge need at RB, and select the best available here. 

29) New York Jets -- Jared Odrick (DT/DE, Penn State) 

The Jets need a 3-4 DE or 3-4 OLB. Odrick will be a great 3-4 DE who can switch to DT if need be. They still need a WR, but this is a BPA pick; a better value at WR will probably be found in the second round. Also, the Jets are the #1 team that should trade for Anquan Boldin. For the Jets sake, I hope this pick is Cardinal's pick come draft day. 

30) Minnesota Vikings -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA)

If Minnesota could draft an RB coach to teach AP not to fumble, they would. Instead, they decide to take their DT of the future and select Price. If they grade a CB like Robinson or Wilson as a number one pick, they may draft a CB here (or trade back to take one, with the most likely trade candidate being Buffalo, trying to get Charles Brown if he is still avaliable). I think Tavaris Jackson is better than any of the QBs available at this point and/or that the Vikings will sign or trade a QB prior to the draft

31) Indianapolis Colts -- Brandon Spikes (OLB/ILB, Florida)

Tony Ugoh has been a complete bust at T. For a team with a lot of of talent, they have a major need at tackle. However, with a projected 6 tackles going ahead of them in the 1st, there are no tackles to take here for 31st overall value. The Colts have a need at MLB, so they take a guy with great instincts in Spikes who can give their improved defense more of an attitude, and more skill. 

32) New Orleans Saints -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

Who Dat? The Super Bowl champs improve their linebacking core by taking the talented Weatherspoon.

ROUND 2

2-1) STL -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame)

2-2) DET -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)

2-3) TB -- Damian Williams (WR, USC) 

2-4) KC -- Taylor Mays (S, USC) 

2-5) WAS -- Jahvid Best (RB, California)

2-6) CLE -- Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State) 

2-7) OAK -- Vladimir Ducasse (G/RT, Massachusetts)

2-8) SEA -- Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)

2-9) BUF -- Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama) 

2-10) TB -- Greg Hardy (DE, Mississippi)

2-11) MIA -- Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU) 

2-12) NE -- Dexter McCluster (RB/WR, Mississippi)

2-13)DEN -- Daryl Washington (OLB/ILB, TCU)

2-14)NYG -- Nate Allen (S, South Florida)

2-15)NE -- Tyson Alualu (DE/DT, California)

2-16)CAR -- Arthur Jones (DT, Syracuse) 

2-17)SF -- Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)

2-18)KC -- Maurkice Pouncey (G/C, Florida) 

2-19)HOU -- Donovan Warren (CB, Michigan) 

2-20)PIT -- Kyle Calloway (T, Iowa)

2-21) CIN -- Gene Atkins (DT, Georgia)

2-22) NE -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State)

2-23) GB -- Jerry Hughes (DE/OLB, TCU)

2-24) PHI -- Rennie Curran (OLB, Georgia) 

2-25) BAL -- Morgan Burnett (S, Georgia Tech) 

2-26) ARI --  George Selvie (DE/OLB, South Florida)

2-27) DAL -- Chad Jones (S, LSU)

2-28) SD -- Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas)

2-29) NYJ -- Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)

2-30) MIN --  Syd'Quan Thompson (CB, California) 

2-31) IND -- Chris Cook (CB, Virginia) 

2-32) NO -- Larry Asante (S, Nebraska)

ROUND 3

3-1) STL -- Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida) 

3-2) DET -- Corey Wootton (DE, Northwestern) 

3-3) TB --  D'Anthony Smith (DT, Louisiana Tech)

3-4) WAS -- Forfeited for 2009 Supplemental Draft Pick

3-5) KC -- Jon Asamoah (G, Illinois) 

3-6) OAK -- Colt McCoy (QB, Texas)

3-7) PHI -- Reshad Jones (S, Georgia)

3-8) CLE -- Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)

3-9) BUF -- Tony Washington (T, Abilene Christian)

3-10) MIA -- Cam Thomas (DT, UNC)

3-11) CHI -- Zane Beadles (G, Utah)

3-12) JAX-- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)

3-13) NYG -- Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State)

3-14) CAR -- Jordan Shipley (WR, Texas)

3-15) TEN -- Javier Arenas (CB/PR/KR, Alabama) 

3-16) SF -- Alex Carrington (DE/OLB, Arkansas State)

3-17) DEN -- J.D. Walton (G/C, Baylor) 

3-18) HOU -- Mike Johnson (G, Alabama)

3-19) PIT -- Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers)

3-20) ATL -- Dominique Franks (CB, Oklahoma)

3-21) CIN -- Myron Rolle (S, Florida State)

3-22) OAK -- Eric Norwood (OLB, South Carolina)

3-23) GB --  Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forest)

3-24) PHI --  Myron Lewis (CB, Vanderbilt)

3-25) BAL -- Amari Spivey (CB, Iowa)

 3-26) ARI -- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (CB, Indiana-PA)

3-27) DAL -- John Jerry (OG, Mississippi)

3-28) SD -- Taylor Price (WR, Ohio)

3-29) CLE -- Thaddeus Gibson (DE/OLB, Ohio State)  

3-30) MIN -- Roddrick Muckelroy (OLB, Texas)

3-31) IND -- Anthony McCoy (TE, USC) 

3-32) NO -- Mike Neal (DT, Purdue)

ROUND 4

4-1) STL -- Sergio Render (OG, Virginia Tech)

4-2) DET -- Rodger Saffold (RT/G, Indiana)

4-3) TB -- Trevard Lindley (CB, Kentucky)

4-4) KC -- Dezmon Briscoe (WR, Kansas)

4-5) WAS -- Jevan Snead (QB, Mississippi)

4-6) SEA -- Chris Scott (G, Tennessee)

4-7) CLE -- Toby Gerhart (RB, Stanford)

4-8) OAK -- Al Woods (DT, LSU) 

4-9) BUF -- Mike Williams (WR, Syracuse)

4-10) CHI -- Jerome Murphy (CB, South Florida)

4-11) JAX -- Nawa’akoa Misi (OLB, Utah)

4-12) MIA -- Vince Oghobaase (3-4 DE, Duke)

4-13) CAR -- Ed Dickson (TE, Oregon)

4-14) TEN -- A.J. Edds (OLB, Iowa)

4-15) SF -- Mitch Petrus (G, Arkansas)

4-16) DEN --Tony Pike (QB, Cincinnati)

4-17) NYG -- Jared Veldheer (T, Hillsdale)

4-18) PIT -- Darryl Sharpton (ILB, Miami)

4-19) ATL -- Dennis Pitta (TE, BYU)

4-20) HOU -- Kam Chancellor (S, Virginia Tech) 

4-21) CIN -- Eric Decker (WR, Minnesota)

4-22) NE -- Andre Roberts (WR, The Citadel)

4-23) GB -- Joe McKinight (RB, USC)

4-24) PHI -- Montorio Hardesty (RB, Tennessee)

4-25) BAL -- Jermaine Cunningham (DE/OLB, Florida)

4-26) ARI -- Dan LeFevour (QB, Central Michigan)

4-27) DAL -- Jacoby Ford (WR, Clemson)

4-28) SD -- Selvish Capers (T, West Virginia)

4-29) NYJ -- Major Wright (S, Florida) 

4-30) MIN -- Shawn Lauvao (G, Arizona State)

4-31) IND -- Jason Fox (T, Miami)

4-32) NO -- Pat Angerer (ILB/OLB, Iowa)

 

 

Mock Draft, Updated 2/1

 

This is a three round mock draft, which I will update periodically. Please comment, especially on your perception of team needs. 

4th round coming soon

* Denotes a coin flip will decide draft order

 

ROUND 1

  1) St. Louis Rams -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)

St. Louis badly needs a DT to anchor their defense. Suh is the best player in the draft, and the best DT prospect in a long, long time. Although they could also go T or QB here, the Rams take a guy who has the ability to be as much of a game and team changer as Albert Haynsworth would be if he tried every play.

  2) Detroit Lions -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)

To say Detroit's defense is bad is an understatement. McCoy will be the anchor of their defense for years to come.  Their other main position of need is T, and they would be a prime candidate to trade down if anyone is targeting Berry or Morgan. If Suh drops to #2, Detroit sets the record for quickest draft selection. 

  3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)

The theme of the top of the draft: defense. Tampa Bay's is aging and lacking playmakers. They go with an Ed Reed-type safety who will instantly give their defense an identity they have lacked. They could also go with Morgan here, or trade down to select Dez Bryant.

  4) Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

 A lot of people expect Washington to go QB here, but I think Shanahan gives a talented Jason Campbell a chance. Campbell's biggest downside, and it is a major downside, is that he doesn't appear to be the kind of leader you would want in a QB. Having said that, Washington's bigger need is on the offensive line, especially with Chris Samuels getting up their in age, so the Redskins select the best available tackle. Shanahan knows the importance of a great LT like he had in Ryan Clady in Denver.

  5) Kansas City Chiefs -- Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama) 

Kansas City's run blocking was 31st in the league and their pass blocking was ranked 26th (h/t Drew K). Some think Brandon Albert isn't cutting it as an NFL LT and would be better suited at RT. However, Albert improved greatly. over the second half of the season. The Chiefs might select Okung here if he falls and move Albert to RT if they grade Okung high, but if Okung and Eric Berry are not there I think the Chiefs go with the future anchor of their defense in McClain. Pioli chose Jerod Mayo high when he was with the Chiefs and knows he needs to improve this defense. Kansas City also needs help on S, CB, and at WR, so I think they would take Berry if he was available, and they are also a candidate to trade down if they like other Ts.

  6) Seattle Seahawks -- Jimmy Clauson (QB, Notre Dame)

With two first round picks, Seattle has the amo to trade up if they really want Berry or one of the top DTs. Their offensive line has been terrible and soft this year, so I think they could select the best OT available. Matt Hasselback's skills have declined and he is getting up there in age. Seattle selects his eventual replacement in Clauson. The guy just seems like a Pete Carrol type of QB. 

  7) Cleveland Browns -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

Cleveland seemed to improve at the end of the season, but they still have a lot of team needs. CB, S, DE, WR, QB. I'm not a fan of either of their QBs, but I think Holmgren and Mangini will give Brady Quinn one more year to prove himself. The pick could easily be Clauson, Bradford, Morgan or Joe Haden, but I think Cleveland goes with fulfilling their dire need of a #1 WR. The concensus in the mock draft world seems to be Joe Haden right now for the Browns, but I think Bryant fills a bigger need.

  8) Oakland Raiders -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)

The Jamarcus Russel experiment should be over. He's horrible, but Al Davis doesn't know that. Oakland also has needs at QB, T, DT, DE, CB (#2), and WR. Other possible selections here are Clauson, Williams (T, Oklahoma), Dunlap (DE, Florida), and Joe Haden, who could cause Al Davis to dream of having two shut-down corners. I'm very nervous about this pick of a premier DE in Morgan, because it would actually make sense. And this is Oakland.

  9) Buffalo Bills -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

Buffalo has a major need at QB here. Trent Edwards seemed like he was the future for a while, but he really regressed this past year. I think they may take a T here because their offensive live is awful, but the Billschoose to address that need later and take Bradford.. Buffalo could also go DT, DE, CB,  WR, or T here. The major problem for the Bills is that there probably won’t be any high-grade tackles available when they pick in the second round, so they really need to make either QB or T a priority via a trade or free agency and fix the other need with this draft choice.

10) Denver Broncos -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)*

Denver had two first round picks because of the Bears trade, but traded one away to the Seahawks to select Alfonso Smith, CB, in the second round last year. If anyone saw the running clinic the Kansas City Chiefs put on Denver, they know the Broncos main need is defense. If McClain is there, I think they take him, but seeing as he is not, Denver decides to go with a NT here and select Williams. They could also select an ILB, DE, S, WR (if they trade away Brandon Marshall), or 3-4 OLB (if they lose Dumervil to FA)

11) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida)*

Jacksonville needs DT, DE, CB, S, and TE (some say QB, but Garrard is good enough). I think they will trust that Cox will improve in his second year at CB, and pray that Nelson gets better at S. Therefore, I think they'll take Pierre-Paul, but they could easily go Dunlap, Haden, Thomas, or Price here. Some think they'll pick Tebow here, but I don't buy it. The Jags were last in the NFL in sacks this year, so they need help on the d-line.

12) Miami Dolphins -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are getting up there in age. The Dolphins select Kindle, who can start out lining up as a 3-4 DE while learning the 3-4 OLB position to take oven when either Taylor or Porter eventually leaves or retires. They could also go for WR Dez Bryant here, but I think they go Kindle.

13) San Francisco 49ers -- Earl Thomas (S, Texas) 

San Fran badly needs an impact safety, so they select the highest ranked safety in the draft in Thomas

14) Seattle Seahawks -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland) 

Seattle's O-line was awful this year, and they go with the best O-lineman available. After workouts/the combine, this might be Bulaga, Campbell, or Williams, but for the time being it is Davis. They could also go DT, DE, or CB here.

15) New York Giants -- Joe Haden (CB, Florida) 

The Giants once great defense was subpar, even bad last year. They also have major needs at MLB, S, DT, RT, and CB. The Giants improve their secondary a ton by taking the best corner in the draft.

16) Tennessee Titans -- Dunlap (DE, Florida)*

As a Titans fan, I think the Titans should trade up to get Haden. Nick Harper was absolutely awful this season as the Titans #2 corner, and Rod Hood didn't do much better when he got the start in Week 17 vs. Seattle. The Titans also have needs at OLB, DE, DT if Tony Brown is not re-signed, S (Griffin has regressed and Hope's skills are declining with age) and they may select a MLB and either move him to OLB or move their MLB (Tulluch) to OLB. If Haden falls here, I will scream at my TV for the Titans to take him, and I think they would. However, that’s more of a dream than a reality, and the Titans lack of a pass rush was a major reason for their decline from 2008/9 to 2009/10, and in a division with Schaub and Manning, the Titans will probably take a DE here. They could go with Graham, Griffen, or Pierre-Paul (if available) here, but in this scenario I think they would go with Dunlap, who has immense potential. Jim Washburn knowns how to get the most out of his players on the D-line.

17) San Francisco 49ers -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma)*

San Fransisco is a young, talented team that still has a lot of needs. They have a LT in Joe Staley, but they badly need a RT, and pick an All-American one up in Williams. They could also select a S, DE/OLB, WR, CB, or NT here.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Iupati (G/RT, Idaho)

Some may think this is far too high for a guard, but the the Steeler’s offensive line was abused last year, really hampering an otherwise talented offense. At the same time their defense declined last year and is aging, so they may decide to go CB, S, DE, DT, or ILB here. However, I believe they will decide to go with an extremely talented guard with a mean streak and select Iupati, who scouts say will almost surely make several Pro Bowls in his career (even without about half the players dropping out of the Pro Bowl)

19) Atlanta Falcons -- Navorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State)*

The Falcons secondary is bad, but there is no CB here worth taking (I think Robinson is overrated and not worth a 1st round pick). The Falcons decide to sure up their run defense and a weak position at OLB and take Bowman, who has off-field problems but comes from LB U and appears to be very talented.

20) Houston Texans -- C. J. Spiller (HB, Clemson)*

Chris Brown and Ryan Moats were the Texan's starting running back at different times last year. Arian Fosterdid well in his last start for the Texans in Week 17, but the Texans would jump at the chance to select an electrifying, multipurpose back in Spiller. After all, they face one twice a year in Chris Johnson. Spiller has similar skills, although he doesn't quite have 4.24 speed. The Texans could also take a DE, DT or S here. The Mays v. Price v. Spiller call would be difficult, but I think they would go with Spiller.

21) Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

At first, I thought Cinci would take a DE here. Antwan Odom will presumably be healthy next year, but the Bengals other DEs, Jonathan Fanene and Robert Geathers, don't exactly make defensive coordinators nervous. The Bengals would love to see such a talented, yet raw, defensive end fall to them as Pierre-Paul. The Bengals could also take a G like Iupati, a DE, or a WR here. However, after watching their offense struggle in the playoffs, I think the Bengals will take an extremely talented TE in Gresham instead.

22) New England Patriots -- Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan) 

The Patriots have 3 second round picks, so they could move up if they are interested in a specific player like CJ Spiller. Here, with their pass rush not being what it once was, I think they take a pass rushing DE/OLB in Graham. They may also take a FS like Taylor Mays in this scenario, go for a WR, or draft a RB, but I think they improve their linebacking core here.

23) Green Bay Packers -- Bryan Bulaga (T, Iowa)

The Packers biggest weakness is their offensive line, specifically their tackles. Bulaga is the best tackle avaliable.

24) Philadelphia Eagles -- Everson Griffen (DE, USC)

Philly’s defense was embarrassed by the Cowboys, so they go with the best available player left on the board at DE, and that player is Griffen.

25) Baltimore Ravens -- Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)

Derrick Mason is still producing, but he's old, and may retire. Mark Clayton can now surely be labeled a bust. The Ravens two main needs are WR and CB, but there aren't any CBs here worth taking. The Ravens go with the top WR on their board. 

26) Arizona Cardinals -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers)

The Cardinals are a team that has done very well the last two years but still seemingly has a lot of needs at key positions. They need a LT, DE/OLB, DT and G. Their offensive line was horrible against the Saints and their defense was awful throughout the playoffs. However, the Cardinals go with the best player available and take the talented Davis. If Darnell Dockett leaves in free agency, this could be Brian Price here.

27) Dallas Cowboys -- Charles Brown (T, USC)

The Cowboy's offensive line in the playoffs was awful. They take the best tackle available here in Brown.

28) San Diego Chargers -- Jonathan Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech)

San Diego has a huge need at RB, and select the best available here. 

29) New York Jets -- Jared Odrick (DT/DE, Penn State) 

The Jets need a 3-4 DE or 3-4 OLB. Odrick will be a great 3-4 DE who can switch to DT if need be. They still need a WR, but this is a BPA pick; a better value at WR will probably be found in the second round. Also, the Jets are the #1 team that should trade for Anquan Boldin. For the Jets sake, I hope this pick is Cardinal's pick come draft day. 

30) Minnesota Vikings -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA)

If Minnesota could draft an RB coach to teach AP not to fumble, they would. Instead, they decide to take their DT of the future and select Price. If they grade a CB like Robinson or Wilson as a number one pick, they may draft a CB here (or trade back to take one, with the most likely trade candidate being Buffalo, trying to get Charles Brown if he is still avaliable). I think Tavaris Jackson is better than any of the QBs available at this point and/or that the Vikings will sign or trade a QB prior to the draft

31) Indianapolis Colts -- Brandon Spikes (OLB/ILB, Florida)

Tony Ugoh has been a complete bust at T. For a team with a lot of of talent, they have a major need at tackle. However, with a projected 6 tackles going ahead of them in the 1st, there are no tackles to take here for 31st overall value. The Colts have a need at MLB, so they take a guy with great instincts in Spikes who can give their improved defense more of an attitude, and more skill. 

32) New Orleans Saints -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

Who Dat? The Super Bowl champs improve their linebacking core by taking the talented Weatherspoon.

ROUND 2

2-1) STL -- Jevan Snead (QB, Mississippi)

2-2) DET -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)

2-3) TB -- Damian Williams (WR, USC) 

2-4) KC -- Taylor Mays (S, USC) 

2-5) WAS -- Jahvid Best (RB, California)

2-6) CLE -- Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State) 

2-7) OAK -- Vladimir Ducasse (G, Massachusetts)

2-8) SEA -- Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)

2-9) BUF -- Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU) 

2-10) TB -- Greg Hardy (DE, Mississippi)

2-11) MIA -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame)

2-12) NE -- Dexter McCluster (RB/WR, Mississippi)

2-13)DEN -- Daryl Washington (OLB/ILB, TCU)

2-14)NYG -- Chad Jones (S, LSU)

2-15)NE -- Tyson Alualu (DE/DT, California)

2-16)CAR -- Arthur Jones (DT, Syracuse) 

2-17)SF -- Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)

2-18)KC -- Donovan Warren (CB, Michigan) 

2-19)HOU -- Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State)

2-20)PIT -- Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama) 

2-21) CIN -- Gene Atkins (DT, Georgia)

2-22) NE -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State)

2-23) GB -- Jerry Hughes (DE/OLB, TCU)

2-24) PHI -- Rennie Curran (OLB, Georgia) 

2-25) BAL -- Nate Allen (S, South Florida)

2-26) ARI --  George Selvie (DE/OLB, South Florida)

2-27) DAL -- Morgan Burnett (S, Georgia Tech) 

2-28) SD -- Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas)

2-29) NYJ -- Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)

2-30) MIN -- Chris Cook (CB, Virginia) 

2-31) IND -- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)

2-32) NO -- Larry Asante (S, Nebraska)

ROUND 3

3-1) STL -- Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida) 

3-2) DET -- Corey Wootton (DE, Northwestern) 

3-3) TB --  D'Anthony Smith (DT, Louisiana Tech)

3-4) WAS -- Forfeited for 2009 Supplemental Draft Pick

3-5) KC -- Jon Asamoah (G, Illinois) 

3-6) OAK -- Colt McCoy (QB, Texas)

3-7) PHI -- Reshad Jones (S, Georgia)

3-8) CLE -- Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)

3-9) BUF -- Kyle Calloway (T, Iowa) 

3-10) MIA -- Cam Thomas (DT, UNC)

3-11) CHI -- Tony Washington (T, Abilene Christian)

3-12) JAX-- Tim Tebow (QB/FB/TE, Florida)

3-13) NYG -- Maurkice Pouncey (G/C, Florida) 

3-14) CAR -- Jordan Shipley (WR, Texas)

3-15) TEN -- Javier Arenas (CB/PR/KR, Alabama) 

3-16) SF -- Alex Carrington (DE/OLB, Arkansas State)

3-17) DEN -- J.D. Walton (G/C, Baylor) 

3-18) HOU -- Mike Johnson (G, Alabama)

3-19) PIT -- Syd'Quan Thompson (CB, California)

3-20) ATL -- Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers)

3-21) CIN -- Myron Rolle (S, Florida State)

3-22) OAK -- Eric Norwood (OLB, South Carolina)

3-23) GB --  Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forest)

3-24) PHI --  Myron Lewis (CB, Vanderbilt)

3-25) BAL -- Amari Spivey (CB, Iowa)

 3-26) ARI -- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (CB, Indiana-PA)

3-27) DAL -- Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State)

3-28) SD -- Taylor Price (WR, Ohio)

3-29) CLE -- Thaddeus Gibson (DE/OLB, Ohio State)  

3-30) MIN -- Roddrick Muckelroy (OLB, Texas)

3-31) IND -- Anthony McCoy (TE, USC) 

3-32) NO -- Mike Neal (DT, Purdue)

 

Mock Draft, Updated 1/31

 

This is a three round mock draft, which I will update periodically. Please comment, especially on your perception of team needs. 

* Denotes a coin flip will decide draft order

 

ROUND 1

  1) St. Louis Rams -- Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)

St. Louis badly needs a DT to anchor their defense. Suh is the best player in the draft, and the best DT prospect in a long, long time. Although they could also go T or QB here, the Rams take a guy who has the ability to be as much of a game and team changer as Albert Haynsworth would be if he tried every play.

  2) Detroit Lions -- Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)

To say Detroit's defense is bad is an understatement. They are especially horrendous against the run, and so they take McCoy, who is not on Suh's level, but is still very good. Their other main position of need is T, and they would be a prime candidate to trade down if anyone is targeting Berry or Morgan. If Suh drops to #2, Detroit sets the record for quickest draft selection. 

  3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)

The theme of the top of the draft: defense. Tampa Bay's is aging and lacking playmakers. They go with an Ed Reed-type safety who will instantly give their defense an identity they have lacked. They could also go with Morgan here, or trade down to select Dez Bryant.

  4) Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

 A lot of people expect Washington to go QB here, but I think Shanahan gives a talented Jason Campbell a chance. Campbell's biggest downside, and it is a major downside, is that he doesn't appear to be the kind of leader you would want in a QB. Having said that, Washington's bigger need is on the offensive line, especially with Chris Samuels getting up their in age, so the Redskins select the best available tackle. Shanahan knows the importance of a great LT like he had in Ryan Clady in Denver.

  5) Kansas City Chiefs -- Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama) 

Kansas City's run blocking was 31st in the league and their pass blocking was ranked 26th (h/t Drew K). Some think Brandon Albert isn't cutting it as an NFL LT and would be better suited at RT. However, Albert improved greatly. over the second half of the season. The Chiefs might select Okung here if he falls and move Albert to RT if they grade Okung high, but if Okung and Eric Berry are not there I think the Chiefs go with the future anchor of their defense in McClain. Pioli chose Jerod Mayo high when he was with the Chiefs and knows he needs to improve this defense. Kansas City also needs help on S, CB, and at WR, so I think they would take Berry if he was available, and they are also a candidate to trade down if they like other Ts.

  6) Seattle Seahawks -- Jimmy Clauson (QB, Notre Dame)

With two first round picks, Seattle has the amo to trade up if they really want Berry or one of the top DTs. Their offensive line has been terrible and soft this year, so I think they could select the best OT available. Matt Hasselback's skills have declined and he is getting up there in age. Seattle selects his eventual replacement in Clauson. The guy just seems like a Pete Carrol type of QB. 

  7) Cleveland Browns -- Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

Cleveland seemed to improve at the end of the season, but they still have a lot of team needs. CB, S, DE, WR, QB. I'm not a fan of either of their QBs, but I think Holmgren and Mangini will give Brady Quinn one more year to prove himself. The pick could easily be Clauson, Bradford, Morgan or Joe Haden, but I think Cleveland goes with fulfilling their dire need of a #1 WR

  8) Oakland Raiders -- Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)

The Jamarcus Russel experiment should be over. He's horrible, but Al Davis doesn't know that. Oakland also has needs at QB, T, DT, DE, CB (#2), and WR. Other possible selections here are Clauson, Williams (T, Oklahoma), Dunlap (DE, Florida), and Joe Haden, who could cause Al Davis to dream of having two shut-down corners. I'm very nervous about this pick of a premier DE in Morgan, because it would actually make sense. And this is Oakland.

  9) Buffalo Bills -- Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

Buffalo has a major need at QB here. Trent Edwards seemed like he was the future for a while, but he really regressed this past year. I think they may take a T here because their offensive live is awful, but the Bills choose to address that need later and take Bradford.. Buffalo could also go DT, DE, CB,  WR, or T here. The major problem for the Bills is that there probably won’t be any high-grade tackles available when they pick in the second round, so they really need to make either QB or T a priority via a trade or free agency and fix the other need with this draft choice.

10) Denver Broncos -- Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)*

Denver had two first round picks because of the Bears trade, but traded one away to the Seahawks to select Alfonso Smith, CB, in the second round last year. If anyone saw the running clinic the Kansas City Chiefs put on Denver, they know the Broncos main need is defense. If McClain is there, I think they take him, but seeing as he is not, Denver decides to go with a NT here and select Williams. They could also select an ILB, DE, S, WR (if they trade away Brandon Marshall), or 3-4 OLB (if they lose Dumervil to FA)

11) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida)*

Jacksonville needs DT, DE, CB, S, and TE (some say QB, but Garrard is good enough). I think they will trust that Cox will improve in his second year at CB, and pray that Nelson gets better at S. Therefore, I think they'll take Pierre-Paul, but they could easily go Dunlap, Haden, Thomas, or Price here. Some think they'll pick Tebow here, but I don't buy it. The Jags were last in the NFL in sacks this year, so they need help on the d-line.

12) Miami Dolphins -- Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are getting up there in age. The Dolphins select Kindle, who can start out lining up as a 3-4 DE while learning the 3-4 OLB position to take oven when either Taylor or Porter eventually leaves or retires. They could also go for WR Dez Bryant here, but I think they go Kindle.

13) San Francisco 49ers -- Earl Thomas (S, Texas) 

San Fran badly needs an impact safety, so they select the highest ranked safety in the draft in Thomas

14) Seattle Seahawks -- Bruce Campbell (T, Maryland) 

Seattle's O-line was awful this year, and they go with the best O-lineman available. After workouts/the combine, this might be Bulaga, Campbell, or Williams, but for the time being it is Davis. They could also go DT, DE, or CB here.

15) New York Giants -- Brian Price (DT, UCLA) 

The Giants once great defense was subpar, even bad last year. They also have major needs at MLB, S, and RT, but I think they take Price here, who will sure up their run defense in the middle and help their pass rush. Price had 7 sacks last year.

16) Tennessee Titans -- Joe Haden (CB, Florida)*

As a Titans fan, I think the Titans should trade up to get Haden. Nick Harper was absolutely awful this season as the Titans #2 corner, and Rod Hood didn't do much better when he got the start in Week 17 vs. Seattle. The Titans also have needs at OLB, DE, DT if Tony Brown is not re-signed, S (Griffin has regressed and Hope's skills are declining with age) and they may select a MLB and either move him to OLB or move their MLB (Tulluch) to OLB. If Haden falls here, I will scream at my TV for the Titans to take him, and I think they would. However, the Titans lack of a pass rush was a major reason for their decline from 2008/9 to 2009/10, and in a division with Schaub and Manning, the Titans may take a DE. They could go with Dunlap, Graham, Griffen, or Pierre-Paul (if available) here, but in this scenario I think they would go with Haden.

17) San Francisco 49ers -- Trent Williams (T, Oklahoma)*

San Fransisco is a young, talented team that still has a lot of needs. They have a LT in Joe Staley, but they badly need a RT, and pick an All-American one up in Williams. They could also select a S, DE/OLB, WR, CB, or NT here.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Iupati (G/RT, Idaho)

Some may think this is far too high for a guard, but the the Steeler’s offensive line was abused last year, really hampering an otherwise talented offense. At the same time their defense declined last year and is aging, so they may decide to go CB, S, DE, DT, or ILB here. However, I believe they will decide to go with an extremely talented guard with a mean streak and select Iupati, who scouts say will almost surely make several Pro Bowls in his career (even without about half the players dropping out of the Pro Bowl)

19) Atlanta Falcons -- Navorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State)*

The Falcons secondary is bad, but there is no CB here worth taking (I think Robinson is overrated and not worth a 1st round pick). The Falcons decide to sure up their run defense and a weak position at OLB and take Bowman, who has off-field problems but comes from LB U and appears to be very talented.

20) Houston Texans -- C. J. Spiller (HB, Clemson)*

Chris Brown and Ryan Moats were the Texan's starting running back at different times last year. Arian Foster did well in his last start for the Texans in Week 17, but the Texans would jump at the chance to select an electrifying, multipurpose back in Spiller. After all, they face one twice a year in Chris Johnson. Spiller has similar skills, although he doesn't quite have 4.24 speed. The Texans could also take a DE or S here. The Mays v. Pierre-Paul v. Spiller call would be difficult, but I think they would go with Spiller.

21) Cincinnati Bengals -- Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

At first, I thought Cinci would take a DE here. Antwan Odom will presumably be healthy next year, but the Bengals other DEs, Jonathan Fanene and Robert Geathers, don't exactly make defensive coordinators nervous. The Bengals would love to see such a talented, yet raw, defensive end fall to them as Pierre-Paul. The Bengals could also take a G like Iupati, a DE, or a WR here. However, after watching their offense struggle in the playoffs, I think the Bengals will take an extremely talented TE in Gresham instead.

22) New England Patriots -- Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan) 

The Patriots have 3 second round picks, so they could move up if they are interested in a specific player like CJ Spiller. Here, with their pass rush not being what it once was, I think they take a pass rushing DE/OLB in Graham. They may also take a FS like Taylor Mays in this scenario, go for a WR, or draft a RB, but I think they improve their linebacking core here.

23) Green Bay Packers -- Bryan Bulaga (T, Iowa)

The Packers biggest weakness is their offensive line, specifically their tackles. Bulaga is the best tackle avaliable.

24) Philadelphia Eagles -- Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)

Philly’s defense was embarrassed by the Cowboys, so they go with the best available player left on the board, a player with a lot of question marks but even more potential in Dunlap. 

25) Baltimore Ravens -- Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)

Derrick Mason is still producing, but he's old, and may retire. Mark Clayton can now surely be labeled a bust. The Ravens two main needs are WR and CB, but there aren't any CBs here worth taking. The Ravens go with the top WR on their board. 

26) Arizona Cardinals -- Anthony Davis (T, Rutgers)

The Cardinals are a team that has done very well the last two years but still seemingly has a lot of needs at key positions. They need a LT, DE/OLB, DT and G. Their offensive line was horrible against the Saints and their defense was awful throughout the playoffs. However, the Cardinals go with the best player available and take the talented Davis.

27) Dallas Cowboys -- Charles Brown (T, USC)

The Cowboy's offensive line in the playoffs was awful. They take the best tackle available here in Brown.

28) San Diego Chargers -- Jonathan Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech)

This is where the Bradford trade watch begins. San Diego doesn't bite on various trade offers, however, as they have too big of a need at RB, and select the best avaliable here. 

29) New York Jets -- Jared Odrick (DT/DE, Penn State) 

The Jets need a 3-4 DE or 3-4 OLB. Odrick will be a great 3-4 DE who can switch to DT if need be. They still need a WR, but this is a BPA pick; a better value at WR will probably be found in the second round. Also, the Jets are the #1 team that should trade for Anquan Boldin. For the Jets sake, I hope this pick is Cardinal's pick come draft day. I could also see Brandon Graham here as a 3-4 OLB

30) Minnesota Vikings -- Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)

If Minnesota could draft an RB coach to teach AP not to fumble, they would. Instead, they decide to take their DT of the future and select Odrick. If they grade a CB like Robinson or Wilson as a number one pick, they may draft a CB here (or trade back to take one, with the most likely trade candidate being Buffalo, trying to get Brown). I think Tavaris Jackson is better than any of the QBs available at this point and/or that the Vikings will sign or trade a QB prior to the draft

31) Indianapolis Colts -- Brandon Spikes (ILB, Florida)

Tony Ugoh has been a complete bust at T. For a team with a lot of of talent, they have a major need at tackle. However, with a projected 6 tackles going ahead of them in the 1st, there are no tackles to take here for 31st overall value. The Colts have a need at MLB, so they take a guy with great instincts in Spikes who can give their improved defense more of an attitude, and more skill. 

32) New Orleans Saints -- Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

Who Dat? The Super Bowl champs improve their linebacking core by taking the talented Weatherspoon.

ROUND 2

2-1) STL -- Jevan Snead (QB, Mississippi)

2-2) DET -- Everson Griffen (DE, USC)

2-3) TB -- Arthur Jones (DT, Syracuse) 

2-4) KC -- Vladimir Ducasse (G, Massachusetts)

2-5) WAS -- Jahvid Best (RB, California)

2-6) CLE -- Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State) 

2-7) OAK -- Taylor Mays (S, USC) 

2-8) SEA -- Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)

2-9) BUF -- Selvish Capers (T, West Virginia) -- I don't like this pick, but they really need a Tackle. Thoughts?

2-10) TB -- Damian Williams (WR, USC)

2-11) MIA -- Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU) 

2-12) NE -- Dexter McCluster (RB/WR, Mississippi)

2-13)DEN -- Daryl Washington (ILB, TCU)

2-14)NYG -- Chad Jones (S, LSU)

2-15)NE -- Greg Hardy (DE, Mississippi)

2-16)CAR -- Aaron Hernandez Hernandez (TE, Florida) 

2-17)SF -- Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame)

2-18)KC -- Donovan Warren (CB, Michigan) 

2-19)HOU -- Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State)

2-20)PIT -- Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama) 

2-21) CIN -- Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech) 

2-22) NE -- Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State)

2-23) GB -- Jerry Hughes (DE/OLB, TCU)

2-24) PHI -- Eric Norwood (OLB, South Carolina) 

2-25) BAL -- Nate Allen (S, South Florida)

2-26) ARI --  Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas)

2-27) DAL -- Morgan Burnett (S, Georgia Tech) 

2-28) SD -- Gene Atkins (DT, Georgia)

2-29) NYJ -- Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)

2-30) MIN -- Rennie Curran (OLB, Georgia)

2-31) IND -- Chris Cook (CB, Virginia)

2-32) NO -- Larry Asante (S, Nebraska)

ROUND 3

3-1) STL -- Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)

3-2) DET -- Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama) 

3-3) TB --  Jon Asamoah (G, Illinois) 

3-4) WAS -- Forfeited for 2009 Supplemental Draft Pick

3-5) KC -- George Selvie (DE/OLB, South Florida)

3-6) OAK -- Colt McCoy (QB, Texas)

3-7) PHI -- Reshad Jones (S, Georgia)

3-8) CLE -- Anthony McCoy (TE, USC)

3-9) BUF -- Roddrick Muckelroy (OLB, Texas)

3-10) MIA -- D'Anthony Smith (DT, Louisiana Tech)

3-11) CHI -- Myron Rolle (S, Florida State)

3-12) JAX-- Tim Tebow (QB/FB/TE, Florida)

3-13) NYG -- Sergio Render (G, Virginia Tech)

3-14) CAR -- Jordan Shipley (WR, Texas)

3-15) TEN -- Jermaine Cunningham (OLB, Florida) 

3-16) SF -- Alex Carrington (DE/OLB, Arkansas State)

3-17) DEN -- Thaddeus Gibson (DE/OLB, Ohio State) 

3-18) HOU -- Maurkice Pouncey (C, Florida)

3-19) PIT -- Tony Washington (T, Abilene Christian)

3-20) ATL -- Syd'Quan Thompson (CB, California)

3-21) CIN -- Mike Johnson (G, Alabama)

3-22) OAK -- Antonio Coleman (OLB, Auburn)

3-23) GB --  Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forest) 

3-24) PHI -- Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers)

3-25) BAL -- Javier Arenas (CB, Alabama) 

 3-26) ARI -- Myron Lewis (CB, Vanderbilt) 

3-27) DAL -- Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State)

3-28) SD -- Taylor Price (WR, Ohio)

3-29) CLE -- Ed Dickson (TE, Oregon)

3-30) MIN -- J.D. Walton (G/C, Baylor)

3-31) IND -- Kyle Calloway (T, Iowa)

3-32) NO -- Amari Spivey (CB, Iowa) 

 

Mock Draft, 01/24

 

This is a three round mock draft, which I will update periodically. Please comment, especially on your perception of team needs. 

* Denotes a coin flip will decide draft order

 

ROUND 1

  1) STL -- Suh (DT, Nebraska)

St. Louis badly needs a DT to anchor their defense. Suh is the best player in the draft, and the best DT prospect in a long, long time. Although they could also go T or QB here, the Rams take a guy who has the ability to be as much of a game and team changer as Albert Haynsworth would be if he tried every play.

  2) DET -- McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)

To say Detroit's defense is bad is an understatement. They are especially horrendous against the run, and so they take McCoy, who is not on Suh's level, but is still very good. Their other main position of need is T, and they would be a prime candidate to trade down if anyone is targeting Berry or Morgan. If Suh drops to #2, Detroit sets the record for quickest draft selection. 

  3) TB -- Berry (S, Tennessee)

The theme of the top of the draft: defense. Tampa Bay's is aging and lacking playmakers. They go with an Ed Reed-type safety who will instantly give their defense an identity they have lacked. They could also go with Morgan here, or trade down to select Dez Bryant.

  4) WAS -- Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

 A lot of people expect Washington to go QB here, but I think Shanahan gives a talented Jason Campbell a chance. Campbell's biggest downside, and it is a major downside, is that he doesn't appear to be the kind of leader you would want in a QB. Having said that, Washington's bigger need is on the offensive line, especially with Chris Samuels getting up their in age, so the Redskins select the best available tackle. Shanahan knows the importance of a great LT like he had in Ryan Clady in Denver.

  5) KC -- Davis (T, Rutgers)

Kansas City's run blocking was 31st in the league and their pass blocking was ranked 26th (h/t Drew K). Brandon Albert isn't cutting it as an NFL LT, and would be better suited at RT. The Chiefs select Davis to fill that need and protect Cassel. Kansas City also needs help on defense and at WR, so I think they would take Berry if he was available, and they are also a candidate to trade down if they like other Ts or want Dez Bryant at WR.

  6) SEA -- Clauson (QB, Notre Dame)

With two first round picks, Seattle has the amo to trade up if they really want Berry or one of the top DTs. Their offensive line has been terrible and soft this year, so I think they could select the best OT available. Matt Hasselback's skills have declined and he is getting up there in age. Seattle selects his eventual replacement in Clauson. The guy just seems like a Pete Carrol type of QB. 

  7) CLE -- Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

Cleveland seemed to improve at the end of the season, but they still have a lot of team needs. CB, S, DE, WR, QB. I'm not a fan of either of their QBs, but I think Holmgren and Mangini will give Brady Quinn one more year to prove himself. The pick could easily be Clauson, Bradford, Morgan or Joe Haden, but I think Cleveland goes with fulfilling their dire need of a #1 WR

  8) OAK -- Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)

The Jamarcus Russel experiment should be over. He's horrible, but Al Davis doesn't know that. Oakland also has needs at QB, T, DT, DE, CB (#2), and WR. Other possible selections here are Clauson, Williams (T, Oklahoma), Dunlap (DE, Florida), and Joe Haden, who could cause Al Davis to dream of having two shut-down corners. I'm very nervous about this pick of a premier DE in Morgan, because it would actually make sense. And this is Oakland.

  9) BUF -- Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

Buffalo has a major need at QB here. Trent Edwards seemed like he was the future for a while, but he really regressed this past year. I think they may take a T here because their offensive live is awful, but the Bills choose to address that need later and take Bradford.. Buffalo could also go DT, DE, CB,  WR, or T here.

10) DEN -- McClain (ILB, Alabama)*

Denver had two first round picks because of the Bears trade, but traded one away to the Seahawks to select Alfonso Smith, CB, in the second round last year. If anyone saw the running clinic the Kansas City Chiefs put on Denver, they know the Broncos main need is defense. They go with a tone setter and extremely talented ILB in Rolando McClain. They could also select a DT, DE, S, or WR (if they trade away Brandon Marshall)

11) JAX -- Price (DT, UCLA)*

Jacksonville's defense was at its strongest when they had two rock solid DTs. They still have Henderson, but he is less effective than he has been in the past. Jacksonville needs DT, DE, CB, S, and TE (some say QB, but Garrard is good enough). I think they will give their young DEs more time, trust that Cox will improve in his second year at CB, and pray that Nelson gets better at S. Therefore, I think they'll take the Bruins DT, but they could easily go Dunlap, Haden, Thomas, or Mays here. Some think they'll pick Tebow here, but I don't buy it. Price had 7 sacks last year and will help a defense that was last in the NFL in sacks last year.

12) MIA -- Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are getting up there in age. The Dolphins select Kindle, who can start out lining up as a 3-4 DE while learning the 3-4 OLB position to take oven when either Taylor or Porter eventually leaves or retires. They could also go for WR Dez Bryant here, but I think they go Kindle.

13) SF -- Thomas (S, Texas) 

San Fran badly needs an impact safety, so they select the highest ranked safety in the draft in Thomas

14) SEA -- Campbell (T, Maryland) 

Seattle's O-line was awful this year, and they go with the best O-lineman available. After workouts/the combine, this might be Bulaga, but for the time being it is Williams. They could also go DT, DE, or CB here.

15) NYG -- Mays (S, USC)

The Giants have a big need at safety, so they go with the talented but unpolished Mays.

16) TEN -- Haden (CB, Florida)

As a Titans fan, I think the Titans should trade up to get Haden. Nick Harper was absolutely awful this season as the Titans #2 corner, and Rod Hood didn't do much better when he got the start in Week 17 vs. Seattle. The Titans also have needs at OLB, DE, DT if Tony Brown is not re-signed, S (Griffin has regressed and Hope's skills are declining with age) and they may select a MLB and either move him to OLB or move their MLB (Tulluch) to OLB. If Haden falls here, I will scream at my TV for the Titans to take him, and I think they would. However, the Titans lack of a pass rush was a major reason for their decline from 2008/9 to 2009/10, and in a division with Schaub and Manning, the Titans may take a DE. They could go with Dunlap or Pierre-Paul here, but in this scenario I think they go with Haden.

17) SF -- Williams (T, Oklahoma)*

San Fransisco is a young, talented team that still has a lot of needs. They have a LT in Joe Staley, but they badly need a RT, and pick an All-American one up in Williams. They could also select a S, DE/OLB, WR, CB, or NT here.

18) PIT -- Dunlap (DE/OLB, Florida)*

The Steelers have an awful offensive line, and this pick may need to be used to help that need. At the same time, their once great defense also declined last year, especially in the secondary, and that was not completely due to Polamalu's injury. The Steelers could take CB Robinson here, but I think they go with a T. They could also take a DE like Pierre-Paul, or a G like Iupati here. In the end, I think Dunlap's talent would be too much for the Steelers to pass up.

19) ATL -- Bowman (OLB, Penn State)*

The Falcons secondary is bad, but there is no CB here worth taking (I think Robinson is overrated and not worth a 1st round pick). The Falcons decide to sure up their run defense and a weak position at OLB and take Bowman, who has off-field problems but comes from LB U and appears to be very talented.

20) HOU -- Spiller (HB, Clemson)*

Chris Brown and Ryan Moats were the Texan's starting running back at different times last year. Arian Foster did well in his last start for the Texans in Week 17, but the Texans would jump at the chance to select an electrifying, multipurpose back in Spiller. After all, they face one twice a year in Chris Johnson. Spiller has similar skills, although he doesn't quite have 4.24 speed. The Texans could also take a DE or S here. The Mays v. Pierre-Paul v. Spiller call would be difficult, but I think they would go with Spiller.

21) CIN -- Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

At first, I thought Cinci would take a DE here. Antwan Odom will presumably be healthy next year, but the Bengals other DEs, Jonathan Fanene and Robert Geathers, don't exactly make defensive coordinators nervous. The Bengals would love to see such a talented, yet raw, defensive end fall to them as Pierre-Paul. The Bengals could also take a G like Iupati, a DE, or a WR here. However, after watching their offense struggle in the playoffs, I think the Bengals will take an extremely talented TE in Gresham instead.

22) NE -- Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)

The Patriots have 3 second round picks, so they could move up if they are interested in a specific player like CJ Spiller. Here, with their pass rush not being what it once was, I think they take a pass rushing DE/OLB in Sapp. They may also take a FS like Taylor Mays in this scenario, go for a WR, or draft a RB, but I think they improve their linebacking core here.

23) GB -- Bulaga (T, Iowa)

The Packers biggest weakness is their offensive line, specifically their tackles. Bulaga is the best tackle avaliable.

24) PHI -- Spikes (MLB, Florida)

Many analysts have noted how Spikes doesn't seem to catch up with players he should be able to catch. I still think Spikes will be very good. Paul Posluszny and James Laurinaitis had speed questions, but are some of the best MLBs in the league.

25) BAL -- Benn (WR, Illinois)

Derrick Mason is still producing, but he's old, and may retire. Mark Clayton can now surely be labeled a bust. The Ravens two main needs are WR and CB, but there aren't any CBs here worth taking. The Ravens go with the top WR on their board. 

26) ARI -- Pierre-Paul (DE/OLB, South Florida)

The Cardinals could go tackle or guard here after their offensive line was horrible against the Saints. However, their defense was awful throughout the playoffs. The Cardinals take a risk here, taking a guy most project to DE but a player that also had tremendous athleticism to develop into an edge rusher in their 3-4 scheme.

27) DAL -- Iupati (G, Idaho)

The Cowboy's offensive line in the playoffs was awful. They improve by taking the best guard in the draft

28) SD -- Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech)

This is where the Bradford trade watch begins. San Diego doesn't bite on various trade offers, however, as they have too big of a need at RB, and select the best avaliable here. 

29) NYJ -- LaFell (WR, LSU) 

The Jets need a receiver. Braylon Edwards can't catch anything. 

30) MIN -- Williams (DT, Tennessee)

Minnesota could go CB here, but they choose to take a DT to groom to eventually take over for one of the Williams brothers. Hey, it only makes sense. Having DTs named Williams has worked well for them so far.

31) IND -- Brown (T, USC) 

Tony Ugoh has been a complete bust at T. For a team with a lot of of talent, they have a major need at tackle, and use this pick to fill that need.

32) NO -- Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

Who Dat? The Super Bowl champs improve their linebacking core by taking the talented Weatherspoon.

ROUND 2

2-1) STL -- Snead (QB, Mississippi)

2-2) DET -- Griffen (DE, USC)

2-3) TB -- Hardy (DE, Mississippi)

2-4) KC -- Washington (ILB, TCU)

2-5) WAS -- Best (RB, California)

2-6) CLE -- Robinson (CB, Florida State)

2-7) OAK -- Jones (DT, Syracuse)

2-8) SEA -- Ducasse (G, Massachusetts)

2-9) BUF -- Hernandez (TE, Florida)

2-10) TB -- Williams (WR, USC)

2-11) MIA -- Tate (WR, Notre Dame)

2-12) NE -- McCluster (RB, Mississippi)

2-13)DEN -- Cody (DT, Alabama) 

2-14)NYG -- Norwood (OLB, South Carolina)

2-15)NE -- Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)

2-16)CAR -- Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)

2-17)SF -- Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)

2-18)KC -- Warren (CB, Michigan)

2-19)HOU -- Jones (S, LSU)

2-20)PIT -- Lindley (CB, Kentucky)

2-21) CIN -- Shipley (WR, Texas)

2-22) NE -- Graham (DE, Michigan) 

2-23) GB --  Hughes (DE/OLB, TCU)

2-24) PHI -- Odrick (DT, Penn State)

2-25) BAL -- Burnett (S, Georgia Tech)

2-26) ARI -- Asamoah (G, Illinois) 

2-27) JAX (in a trade w/DAL) -- Tebow (QB/TE/FB, Florida)

2-28) SD -- Jackson (CB, Alabama)

2-29) NYJ -- Arenas (CB, Alabama) 

2-30) MIN -- Wilson (CB, Boise State)

2-31) IND -- Curran (OLB, Georgia)

2-32) NO -- Houston (DT, Texas)

ROUND 3

3-1) STL -- Johnson (G, Alabama)

3-2) DET -- Cox (CB, Oklahmoa State)

3-3) TB -- Smith (DT, Louisiana Tech)

3-4) WAS -- Forfeited for 2009 Supplemental Draft Pick

3-5) KC -- Allen (S, South Florida)

3-6) OAK -- McCoy (QB, Texas)

3-7) PHI -- Wooton (DE, Northwestern)

3-8) CLE -- McCoy (TE, USC)

3-9) BUF -- Black (T, LSU)

3-10) MIA -- Selvie (DE/OLB, South Florida)

3-11) CHI -- Mathews (RB, Fresno State) 

3-12) DAL (via trade with Jacksonville) -- Young (T, Notre Dame)

3-13) NYG -- Render (G, Virginia Tech)

3-14) CAR -- Muckelroy (OLB, Texas)

3-15) TEN -- Cunningham (OLB, Florida) 

3-16) SF -- Gibson (DE/OLB, Ohio State)

3-17) DEN -- Beadles (G, Utah)

3-18) HOU -- Ghee (CB, Wake Forest) 

3-19) PIT -- Washington (T, Abilene Christian)

3-20) ATL -- McCourty (CB, Rutgers)

3-21) CIN -- Rolle (S, Florida State)

3-22) OAK -- Coleman (OLB, Auburn)

3-23) GB -- Thompson (CB, California)

3-24) PHI -- Jones (S, Georgia)

3-25) BAL -- Lewis (CB, Vanderbilt) 

3-26) ARI -- Capers (T, West Virginia)

3-27) DAL -- Lee (ILB, Penn State)

3-28) SD -- Woods (DT, LSU)

3-29) CLE -- Sharpton (ILB, Miami)

3-30) MIN -- LeFevour (QB, Central Michigan)

3-31) IND -- Spivey (CB, Iowa)

3-32) NO -- Pouncey (C, Florida)

 

Mock Draft, 01/21

 

This is a two round mock draft, which I will update periodically. Please comment, especially on your perception of team needs. This mock draft assumes Dallas loses and San Diego wins the Super Bowl.

 

* Denotes a coin flip will decide draft order

 

ROUND 1

 

  1) STL -- Suh (DT, Nebraska)

St. Louis badly needs a DT to anchor their defense. Suh is the best player in the draft, and the best DT prospect in a long, long time. Although they could also go T or QB here, the Rams take a guy who has the ability to be as much of a game and team changer as Albert Haynsworth would be if he tried every play.

  2) DET -- McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)

To say Detroit's defense is bad is an understatement. They are especially horrendous against the run, and so they take McCoy, who is not on Suh's level, but is still very good. Their other main position of need is T, and they would be a prime candidate to trade down if anyone is targeting Berry or Morgan. If Suh drops to #2, Detroit sets the record for quickest draft selection. 

  3) TB -- Berry (S, Tennessee)

The theme of the top of the draft: defense. Tampa Bay's is aging and lacking playmakers. They go with an Ed Reed-type safety who will instantly give their defense an identity they have lacked. They could also go with Morgan here, or trade down to select Dez Bryant.

  4) WAS -- Okung (T, Oklahoma State)

 A lot of people expect Washington to go QB here, but I think Shanahan gives a talented Jason Campbell a chance. Campbell's biggest downside, and it is a major downside, is that he doesn't appear to be the kind of leader you would want in a QB. Having said that, Washington's bigger need is on the offensive line, especially with Chris Samuels getting up their in age, so the Redskins select the best available tackle. Shanahan knows the importance of a great LT like he had in Ryan Clady in Denver.

  5) KC -- Davis (T, Rutgers)

Kansas City's run blocking was 31st in the league and their pass blocking was ranked 26th (h/t Drew K). Brandon Albert isn't cutting it as an NFL LT, and would be better suited at RT. The Chiefs select Davis to fill that need and protect Cassel. Kansas City also needs help on defense and at WR, so I think they would take Berry if he was available, and they are also a candidate to trade down if they like other Ts or want Dez Bryant at WR.

  6) SEA -- Campbell (T, Maryland)

With two first round picks, Seattle has the amo to trade up if they really want Berry or one of the top DTs. However, their offensive line has been terrible and soft this year, so I think they select the best OT available, which in this case is Campbell.

  7) CLE -- Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) 

Cleveland seemed to improve at the end of the season, but they still have a lot of team needs. CB, S, DE, WR, QB. I'm not a fan of either of their QBs, but I think Holmgren and Mangini will give Brady Quinn one more year to prove himself. The pick could easily be Clauson, Bradford, Morgan or Joe Haden, but I think Cleveland goes with fulfilling their dire need of a #1 WR

  8) OAK -- Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)

The Jamarcus Russel experiment should be over. He's horrible, but Al Davis doesn't know that. Oakland also has needs at QB, T, DT, DE, CB (#2), and WR. Other possible selections here are Clauson, Williams (T, Oklahoma), Dunlap (DE, Florida), and Joe Haden, who could cause Al Davis to dream of having two shut-down corners. I'm very nervous about this pick of a premier DE in Morgan, because it would actually make sense. And this is Oakland.

  9) BUF -- Williams (T, Oklahoma)

Buffalo has a major need at QB here, and may decide to go for Bradford here, or Clauson if he falls. However, if they take a QB here, he won't have much of a chance to succeed with that awful Bills offensive line, and I think the Bills know that. Therefore, they decide to go with the best OT available in Williams. Depending on combine results, there's a possibility Williams could slide and Bulaga could rise. Buffalo could also go DT, DE, CB,  WR, or QB here.

10) DEN -- McClain (ILB, Alabama)*

Denver had two first round picks because of the Bears trade, but traded one away to the Seahawks to select Alfonso Smith, CB, in the second round last year. If anyone saw the running clinic the Kansas City Chiefs put on Denver, they know the Broncos main need is defense. They go with a tone setter and extremely talented ILB in Rolando McClain. They could also select a DT, DE, S, or WR (if they trade away Brandon Marshall)

11) JAX -- Price (DT, UCLA)*

Jacksonville's defense was at its strongest when they had two rock solid DTs. They still have Henderson, but he is less effective than he has been in the past. Jacksonville needs DT, DE, CB, S, and TE (some say QB, but Garrard is good enough). I think they will give their young DEs more time, trust that Cox will improve in his second year at CB, and pray that Nelson gets better at S. Therefore, I think they'll take the Bruins DT, but they could easily go Dunlap, Haden, Thomas, or Mays here. Some think they'll pick Tebow here, but I don't buy it. 

12) MIA -- Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas)

Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are getting up there in age. The Dolphins select Kindle, who can start out lining up as a 3-4 DE while learning the 3-4 OLB position to take oven when either Taylor or Porter eventually leaves or retires. They could also go for WR Dez Bryant here, but I think they go Kindle.

13) SF -- Haden (CB, Florida)

San Fransisco is a young, talented team that still has a lot of needs. Their secondary is bad, so San Fran decides to go with by far the best corner in the draft. They could also select a S, DE/OLB, WR, RT, or NT here.

14) SEA -- Clauson (QB, Oklahoma)

Matt Hasselback's skills have declined and he is getting up there in age. Seattle selects his eventual replacement in Clauson. The guy just seems like a Pete Carrol type of QB. They could also go DT, DE, or CB here, and their O-line is so bad they could also pick any OL position here, or trade back to take a guy like Iupati (G, Idaho).

15) NYG -- Thomas (S, Florida)

The Giants may decide to go with Earl Thomas, who can replace Kenny Phillips if he's still injured or play the other safety position. 

16) TEN -- Dunlap (DE, Florida)*

As a Titans fan, I think the Titans should trade up to get Haden. Nick Harper was absolutely awful this season as the Titans #2 corner, and Rod Hood didn't do much better when he got the start in Week 17 vs. Seattle. The Titans also have needs at OLB, DE, DT if Tony Brown is not re-signed, S (Griffin has regressed and Hope's skills are declining with age) and they may select a MLB and either move him to OLB or move their MLB (Tulluch) to OLB. If Haden falls here, I will scream at my TV for the Titans to take him, and I think they would. However, the Titans lack of a pass rush was a major reason for their decline from 2008/9 to 2009/10, and in a division with Schaub and Manning, the Titans take a chance on a DE with some motor and maturity problems, but a guy that also has tremendous potential for our D-line coach Washburn to work with.

17) SF -- Thomas (S, Texas)*

San Fran continues to improve their defensive secondary by taking the best safety in the draft in Thomas.

18) PIT -- Mays (S, USC)

The Steelers have an awful offensive line, and this pick could easily be used to help that need. However, their once great defense also declined last year, especially in the secondary, and that was not completely due to Polamalu's injury. At FS, Ryan Clark is bad, and I think the Steelers select Mays here to replace him and instantly make an impact. They could also take a T like Bulaga, a DE like Pierre-Paul, or a G like Iupati here. 

19) ATL -- Bowman (OLB, Penn State)*

The Falcons secondary is bad, but there is no CB here worth taking (I think Robinson is overrated and not worth a 1st round pick). The Falcons decide to sure up their run defense and a weak position at OLB and take Bowman, who has off-field problems but comes from LB U and appears to be very talented.

20) HOU -- Spiller (HB, Clemson)*

Chris Brown and Ryan Moats were the Texan's starting running back at different times last year. Arian Foster did well in his last start for the Texans in Week 17, but the Texans would jump at the chance to select an electrifying, multipurpose back in Spiller. After all, they face one twice a year in Chris Johnson. Spiller has similar skills, although he doesn't quite have 4.24 speed. The Texans could also take a DE or S here. The Mays v. Pierre-Paul v. Spiller call would be difficult, but I think they would go with Spiller.

21) CIN -- Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

At first, I thought Cinci would take a DE here. Antwan Odom will presumably be healthy next year, but the Bengals other DEs, Jonathan Fanene and Robert Geathers, don't exactly make defensive coordinators nervous. The Bengals would love to see such a talented, yet raw, defensive end fall to them as Pierre-Paul. The Bengals could also take a G like Iupati, a DE, or a WR here. However, after watching their offense struggle in the playoffs, I think the Bengals will take an extremely talented TE in Gresham instead.

22) NE -- Sapp (DE/OLB, Clemson)

The Patriots have 3 second round picks, so they could move up if they are interested in a specific player like CJ Spiller. Here, with their pass rush not being what it once was, I think they take a pass rushing DE/OLB in Sapp. They may also take a FS like Taylor Mays in this scenario, go for a WR, or draft a RB, but I think they improve their linebacking core here.

23) GB -- Bulaga (T, Iowa)

The Packers biggest weakness is their offensive line, specifically their tackles. Bulaga may be way gone by 24, but in this scenarios the Packers take him in a heartbeat.

24) PHI -- Spikes (MLB, Florida)

Many analysts have noted how Spikes doesn't seem to catch up with players he should be able to catch. I still think Spikes will be very good. Paul Posluszny and James Laurinaitis had speed questions, but are some of the best MLBs in the league.

25) BAL -- Benn (WR, Illinois)

Derrick Mason is still producing, but he's old, and may retire. Mark Clayton can now surely be labeled a bust. The Ravens two main needs are WR and CB, but there aren't any CBs here worth taking. The Ravens go with the top WR on their board. 

26) ARI -- Pierre-Paul (DE/OLB, South Florida)

The Cardinals could go tackle or guard here after their offensive line was horrible against the Saints. However, their defense was awful throughout the playoffs. The Cardinals take a risk here, taking a guy most project to DE but a player that also had tremendous athleticism to develop into an edge rusher in their 3-4 scheme.

27) DAL -- Iupati (G, Idaho)

The Cowboy's offensive line in the playoffs was awful. They improve by taking the best guard in the draft

28) SD -- Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech)

This is where the Bradford trade watch begins. San Diego doesn't bite on various trade offers, however, as they have too big of a need at RB, and select the best avaliable here. 

29) BUF (in a trade with NYJ) -- Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)

The Jets need a receiver, but Buffalo's offer of a first and fourth pick in 2011 and a second round pick in 2010 is too much to turn down (the price gets really high because the bidding is intense). The Bills select their QB of the future in Bradford to pare with his LT at Oklahoma in Williams

30) MIN -- Williams (DT, Tennessee)

The bidding for Bradford got so intense at 29 because Minnesota would have taken Bradford at 30 to be the heir apparent to Favre. Minnesota could go CB here, but they choose to take a DT to groom to eventually take over for one of the Williams brothers. Hey, it only makes sense. Having DTs named Williams has worked well for them so far.

31) IND -- Brown (T, USC)

The Colts have a big need at LT after Tony Ugoh officially became a bust, and they select the best available in Brown.

32) NO -- Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri)

Who Dat? The Super Bowl champs improve their linebacking core by taking the talented Weatherspoon.

ROUND 2

 

2-1) STL -- Snead (QB, Mississippi)

2-2) DET -- Griffen (DE, USC)

2-3) TB -- Cody (DT, Alabama) 

2-4) KC -- Washington (ILB, TCU)

2-5) WAS -- Best (RB, California)

2-6) CLE -- Robinson (CB, Florida State)

2-7) OAK -- Jones (DT, Syracuse)

2-8) SEA -- Ducasse (G, Massachusetts)

2-9) NYJ (via trade w/BUF) -- LaFell (WR, LSU) 

2-10) TB -- Williams (WR, USC)

2-11) MIA -- Tate (WR, Notre Dame)

2-12) NE -- McCluster (RB, Mississippi)

2-13)DEN -- Hardy (DE, MSelvie (DE, South Florida)

2-14)NYG -- Norwood (OLB, South Carolina)

2-15)NE -- Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati)

2-16)CAR -- Hernandez (TE, Florida)

2-17)SF -- Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)

2-18)KC -- Warren (CB, Michigan)

2-19)HOU -- Odrick (DT, Penn State)

2-20)PIT -- Asamoah (G, Illinois)

2-21) CIN -- Shipley (WR, Texas)

2-22) NE -- Graham (DE, Michigan) 

2-23) GB --  Hughes (DE/OLB, TCU)

2-24) PHI -- Cunningham (OLB, Florida)

2-25) BAL -- Arenas (CB, Alabama)

2-26) ARI -- Selvie (DE/OLB, South Florida)

2-27) JAX (in a trade w/DAL) -- Tebow (QB/TE/FB, Florida)

2-28) SD -- Burnett (S, Georgia Tech)

2-29) NYJ -- Lindley (CB, Kentucky)

2-30) MIN -- Jackson (CB, Alabama)

2-31) IND -- Curran (OLB, Georgia)

2-32) NO -- Wilson (CB, Boise State)

The Least Complicated Scenario:

TEN beats SD

NE beats JAX

DEN loses to PHI

IND beats NYJ

BAL beats PIT

In week 17, we just beat SEA and hope that KC beats DEN

So, I've got to put some filler in here I guess. There are other scenarios. They are more complicated, and for the most part included in my previous post. But, basically, this is the scenario that is the most straightforward and frankly, based on how every team has been playing, the most likely.

 

Tennessee makes the playoffs if..

 

TEN (7-7) wins out (9-7) and beats SD, @SEA

 

+ 

 

4 of the following 5 scenarios occur:

 

1) DEN (8-6) loses 2 of the following: @PHIL, KC

 

2) PIT (7-7) loses 1 of the following: BAL, @MIA

 

3) BAL (8-6) loses 2 of the following: @PIT, @OAK

 

4) JAX (7-7) loses 1 of the following: @NE, @CLE

 

5) NYJ (7-7) loses 1 of the following: @IND, CIN OR wins out and Miami wins out OR NE loses 2 games and MIA loses 1 game

 

 

 

6*) In some scenarios, MIA needs to lose one of the following: HOU, PIT (see below)

 

 

*If MIA wins out + DEN loses out + BAL loses 1 + PIT loses  1 + JAX loses 1 + NYJ loses one,  we don’t make the playoffs (because then there are three 9-7 teams in different divisions)

 

 

*OR...MIA wins out + BAL loses out + DEN loses to KC but beats PHI + (for some reason if DEN loses to PHI but beats KC we get in, not sure why this is the case) + PIT loses to MIA + JAX loses 1 + NYJ loses one means we don’t make the playoffs (because then there are three 9-7 teams in different divisions)

 

 

 

 

Keep an eye on NE (9-5) who has JAX, @HOU remaining. We don’t want MIA to catch up to them and win the division, because we would lose a tiebreaker to NE. (We really want them to go 2-0 or 1-1. Just not 0-2 if MIA wins out.)

 

MIA (7-7) would win a tiebreaker against NE, and they have HOU and PIT remaining. 

 

 

 

The Best, Least Complicated Scenario:

TEN beats SD

NE beats JAX

DEN loses to PHI

IND beats NYJ

BAL beats PIT

In week 17, we just beat SEA and hope that KC beats DEN

Then we make the playoffs