The draft is less than 24 hours away and many things have changed since my last mock draft. This will also include the second round which should be very interesting this year as team’s now can think about potential trades overnight. Regardless of what happens, it is going to be a very exciting weekend for football fans everywhere.
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma: The Rams are in a situation similar to what the Lions were in last year. While Aaron Curry was considered to be the best player, the team went with quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first pick instead. While Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy are considered the best players in the draft, it is hard to pay a defensive tackle that much money when you are in need of a quarterback at this time in the NFL. At this time, it looks like Bradford will be the pick.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska: After adding Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams, many feel that Russell Okung should be the pick here. However Jim Schwartz knows how important defensive tackles are and can’t afford to pass up a prospect like Suh that comes along once a decade.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma: The Bucs will be ecstatic if one of the top tackles falls to them and regardless of it is Suh or McCoy they will be the pick.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung T Oklahoma State: After a shocking trade that landed Donovan McNabb, it doesn’t appear that Jimmy Clausen would be an option anymore. With the retirement of Chris Samuels, the Redskins are in need of a left tackle and will have a tough decision. Trent Williams is a possibility as some feel he better in Mike Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. He does have a few questions that remain to be answered so Okung would be the safe pick here.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Bryan Bulaga T Iowa: Even though Jamaal Charles managed to run for more than 1000 yards last year, the Chiefs offensive line struggled allowing over 40 sacks. Bulaga is a solid player who could come in right away and start opposite 2008 first rounder Branden Albert. The Chiefs could also go with Eric Berry here and possibly Russell Okung if the Redskins select Trent Williams.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Trent Williams T Oklahoma: The Seahawks have really struggled on the offensive line the past few years and are in search of Walter Jones’ replacement. Williams has shot up draft boards the past few weeks with his size and athleticism and would fit the mold the Seahawks are looking for.
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry S Tennessee: After acquiring Sheldon Brown in a trade, the Browns are no longer in the market for a cornerback in the first round. Berry is the best player on the board at this point and in a division where Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed have made such an impact, it’s hard to pass him up.
8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell T Maryland: Many people have Jason Pierre-Paul going here but as impressive as his 13 straight back flips on youtube are to Al Davis, he won’t be the pick. While Davis loves physical specimen, he usually goes after them by need and after franchising Richard Seymour they aren’t in the need for a pass rusher. However, the team does need a tackle which is where Campbell with his 6’6 314 pound frame to go with his 36 ¼ inch arms and 4.85 forty time fit in to the team’s plans. Trent Williams is also a possibility if he falls here along with Anthony Davis who has the talent but has his fair share of concerns.
9. Buffalo Bills: CJ Spiller RB Clemson: Every year it seems like there is a surprise pick in the top ten. The Bills have much bigger needs on the offensive line and at quarterback where Jimmy Clausen is still on the board. While Fred Jackson played very well last year, the team is willing to trade Marshawn Lynch. Chan Gailey has also said that he wants to draft a “water bug” that has big play potential. Nobody in this draft has more big play potential than Spiller who has seen his stock rise in the past few weeks. Along with Clausen, Anthony Davis and Dan Williams are also possibilities with this pick.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joe Haden CB Florida: This could possibly be the hardest pick to predict in the 1st round. The Jaguars would love to trade down and acquire more draft picks which could be possible if a team covets Jimmy Clausen. If they use the pick, the Jaguars will draft the best available player which could very well be Haden, the top cornerback in this year’s draft. Rashean Mathis is also getting older and you can never have enough corners when you play Peyton Manning and Andre Johnson a combined four times a year.
11. Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain LB Alabama: After the Brandon Marshall trade, Dez Bryant could be a target here but the way the Marshall saga ended he could scare them off The Broncos have a big need at inside linebacker and McClain could come right in and fill it. Dan Williams and Earl Thomas could also be possibilities here.
12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams DT Tennessee: After trading for Brandon Marshall, Dez Bryant is no longer a possibility. The Dolphins are very weak up front and Williams is the best nose tackle in the draft that could come in and make an early impact. With the departure of both Joey Porter and Jason Taylor, Jason Pierre-Paul could be a possibility here as he is athletic enough to play outside linebacker.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame: With two first round picks the 49ers can afford to take the risk on Clausen as it is no sure thing that Alex Smith is the answer.
14. Seattle Seahawks: Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech: With the retirement of Patrick Kearney, the Seahawks suddenly have a need for a pass rusher. While Jason Pierre-Paul is awfully tempting, Morgan is more of a sure thing and could come in and contribute right away. Taylor Mays is also a possibility here as he addresses a need and was coached by Pete Carroll at USC.
15. New York Giants: Mike Iupati G Idaho: The Giants would love for Rolando McClain to fall here but Iupati isn’t a bad consolation price. He is a versatile player and the Giants offensive line is getting older and could use some depth. Jason Pierre-Paul and Sean Weatherspoon are also possibilities here.
16. Tennessee Titans: Jason Pierre-Paul DE USF: The Titans dream scenario has come true. Not only is the player who is arguably the best player at his position still on the board, but he has the athleticism that will remind some of a young Jevon Kearse. If Pierre-Paul is off the board, two players who could be considered here are Brandon Graham and Kyle Wilson.
17.San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Wilson CB Boise State: Wilson has been receiving a lot of hype lately and he could go even higher than this. The 49ers aren’t very deep at corner and when you have to face Larry Fitzgerald twice a year, it never hurts to have physical corners. Anthony Davis is also a possibility as the offensive line could use some help as well.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey C Florida: The Steelers offensive line has been a weak spot but Pouncey could help fix that. This is a little high for a center, but Pouncey is the real deal and could go even higher than this. A corner such as Kyle Wilson if he is available isn’t out of the question either.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham DE Michigan: After three years, it appears safe to say that the Jamaal Anderson era hasn’t gone very well. Graham is a versatile player who will come in right away and be able to contribute to an improving defense. Sean Weatherspoon is also a possibility here.
20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas S Texas: In a division where you play Peyton Manning twice a year, it is important to be strong in the secondary. The Texans could use a corner with the loss of Dunta Robinson and depth at safety where Bernard Pollard who was picked up off the street mid season was the bright spot. Thomas is always around the ball and could play at both positions.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor Mays S USC: The Bengals have addressed the wide receiver position with Antonio Bryant and can now move to the defensive side of the ball. Mays lost a lot of money coming back for his senior season as scouts were able to dissect his game tape and find more flaws. Regardless, he is a physical specimen who fits well in Mike Zimmer’s system and very well could be the next defensive player from USC making an impact on the Bengals. Jermaine Gresham is the other option that could be considered here.
22. New England Patriots: Jared Odrick DE Penn State: After trading Richard Seymour to the Raiders for a first round pick, the Patriots need somebody who can play defensive end in the 3-4. Odrick could come right in contribute in a rotation. Dez Bryant is also a serious possibility here along with Sergio Kindle, Jermaine Gresham or Brandon Graham if he is still on the board.
23. Green Bay Packers: Anthony Davis T Rutgers: The Packers had a hard time protecting Aaron Rodgers and the tackle position needs to be addressed considering they play Jared Allen and Julius Peppers two times a year. Davis is a top ten talent but due to concerns about his work ethic and weight could fall here. The Packers could also address the cornerback position as Al Harris and the reigning defensive player of the year Charles Woodson are both in their 30’s.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Kareem Jackson CB Alabama: The Eagles would love to trade up to get one of the top two safeties but even if they stay put; the secondary is a position that needs to be addressed. Jackson is a very experienced corner who could compete for a starting spot right away. Taylor Mays is a possibility if he isn’t off the board.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma: The Ravens addressed the wide receiver position this offseason and can now go after the best player on their board. Todd Heap is getting older and Gresham who would have been a top 15 pick in last year’s draft could be his heir apparent. When Heap first entered the league he played behind Shannon Sharpe which could be a similar situation if Gresham is the pick. If they are high one of them, the Ravens could also go cornerback in this position as well. Devin McCourty and Jared Odrick are possibilities but it would be very difficult to pass up Dez Bryant if he falls here. DT Linval Joseph is also a major dark horse here.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Sean Weatherspoon LB Missouri: The Cardinals had a lot of key loses this offseason so they could go many ways with this pick. With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie recovering from a torn ACL and Bryant McFadden disappointing after being brought in as a free agent cornerback has become an issue. The team also has to replace Carlos Dansby who left this offseason and Weatherspoon is the best player on the board.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State: Just thinking about this situation has to strike fear in defensive coordinators around the league. Roy Williams has been a major disappointment since joining the Cowboys and this upcoming year could be his last with the team. Bryant is the most talented receiver in this year’s draft and while questions are brought up about his character at this point in the draft he is a steal. If Bryant isn’t on the board, Charles Brown is a real possibility here.
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews RB Fresno State: While many of thought the Chargers should have addressed the running back position last year, they now don’t have a choice. Darren Sproles hasn’t shown the ability that he can be an every down back and Mathews is the number two back on many draft boards. Another player to watch for here is East Carolina defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
29. New York Jets: Sergio Kindle LB Texas: If Kindle is still available; the Jets won’t be able to resist his versatility and upside as a pass rusher. Devin McCourty is a possibility along with Everson Griffen.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Tim Tebow QB Florida: With Antoine Winfield getting older and Cedric Griffin recovering from an ACL tear, cornerback is a position of need for the Vikings. The team just signed Lito Sheppard which opens the door for another Gator. This would be an excellent fit for Tebow as he won’t be rushed to start right away and can continue to work on his mechanics. If this pick comes true and Brett Favre returns it’s safe to say we will soon be hearing plugs for “ESPN Minneapolis”.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Rodger Saffold T Indiana: The Colts offensive line is aging and they are in a position to add more depth. Saffold has been shooting up draft boards due to his athleticism and versatility.
32. New Orleans Saints: Jerry Hughes DE/LB TCU: The Saints could use some depth at linebacker and Hughes has the ability to come in and be effective even if it is just as a pass rusher on 3rd downs.
2nd round
33. St. Louis Rams: Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech: The Rams draft a receiver to let Sam Bradford develop with.
34. Detroit Lions: Devin McCourty CB Rutgers: The Lions secondary needs help and McCourty is a first round value who could contribute at corner.
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Everson Griffen DE USC: The Buccaneers continue to upgrade their defensive line by drafting a pass rusher with lots of upside.
36. Kansas City Chiefs: Golden Tate WR Notre Dame: The Chiefs find their number two receiver and reunite Tate with his old college coach Charlie Weis.
37. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Allen S USF: The Eagles land a safety that could come in and fight for a starting spot as a rookie.
38. Cleveland Browns: Colt McCoy QB Texas: The Browns get a quarterback they want without paying big money.
39. Oakland Raiders: Carlos Dunlap DE Florida: The Raiders get a player with great physical attributes but hasn't yet reached his full potential.
40. San Diego Chargers: Terrence Cody DT Alabama: The Chargers get a replacement for Jamal Williams that could possibly go in the first round.
41. Buffalo Bills: Charles Brown T USC: The Bills get a good value in a tackle that could go in the first round.
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Arrelious Benn WR Illiniois: The Buccaneers take a receiver that could develop into Josh Freeman’s go to guy.
43. Denver Broncos: Major Wright S Florida: The Broncos get younger in the secondary and Wright is a player who is starting to move up the draft board.
44. New England Patriots: Daryl Washington LB TCU: The Patriots get a very athletic linebacker that could make an immediate impact on an aging defense.
45. Denver Broncos: Lamarr Houston DT Texas: The Broncos get younger on the defensive line with a very good value in the middle of the 2nd round.
46. New York Giants: Jahvid Best RB California: The Giants add Best to form another three headed monster in the backfield.
47. New England Patriots: Patrick Robinson CB Florida State: The Patriots get another young cornerback and Robinson has star potential.
48. Carolina Panthers: Mardy Gilyard WR Cincinnati: The Panthers finally grant Steve Smith his wish and draft a deep threat to play opposite him.
49. San Francisco 49ers: Vladimir Ducasse T Massachusetts: The 49ers take a project in Ducasse that could end up paying long term dividends.
50. Kansas City Chiefs: Sean Lee LB Penn State: The Chiefs get a good value on Lee who could step right in and help contain the run.
51. Houston Texans: Ben Tate RB Auburn: The Texans address the running back position with Tate who has been rising up draft boards.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Damian Williams WR USC: The Steelers take a receiver to help pick up some of the departed Santonio Holmes’ production.
53. New England Patriots: Koi Misi DE Utah: The Patriots take another defensive lineman in Misi that has versatility and brings a high motor.
54. Cincinnati Bengals: Aaron Hernandez TE Florida: The Bengals get the pass catching tight end they have been looking for.
55. Philadelphia Eagles: Corey Wootoon DE Northwestern: The Eagles get a defensive end in Wootton who was considered a first round pick before injury slowed him down.
56. Green Bay Packers: Dexter McCluster RB Mississippi: The Packers show it’s a copycat league by taking their own version of Percy Harvin.
57. Baltimore Ravens: Linval Joseph DT East Carolina: The Ravens get a phenomenal value here drafting Joseph who they could be considering in the 1st round.
58. Arizona Cardinals: Perrish Cox CB Oklahoma State: The Cardinals get a cornerback in Cox who will add depth and is explosive when he gets the ball in his hands.
59. Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Ghee CB Wake Forest: The Cowboys take a player in Ghee who was a three year starter and could contribute right away in nickel or dime packages.
60. Seattle Seahawks: Montario Hardesty RB Tennessee: The Seahawks needed to acquire a running back in this draft and Hardesty has starting potential.
61. New York Jets: Amari Spievey CB Iowa: The Jets get a corner in Spievey who could make his way into the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
62. Minnesota Vikings: Brian Price DT UCLA: The Vikings get an excellent value in Price here as he is a first round talent who would end up being the replacement for Pat Williams.
63. Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Shipley WR Texas: The Colts get another receiver in Shipley who can come in right away and contribute in the receiving game and special teams.
64. New Orleans Saints: Chad Jones S LSU: The Saints take an exceptional athlete in Jones who could end up filling in for the loss of Darren Sharper.
