TST’s 2010 NFL Mock Draft

The 2010 NFL  Draft does not take place until April 22, 2010, but its never to early to look ahead. With a little over half of the College Football season over and the NFL in week 8, potential NFL stars are well known, and the teams in need of those stars are more than evident. With that, here is a Mock Draft for the 2010 NFL Draft.

The draft order is based off of winning percentage with tiebreakers determined by point differential (as of Week 7).  Don’t be afraid to post a comment and let us know what you think.  I tried to keep all personal bias out of it and just give analysis on the team and player.  This is updated as of November 2, 2009.

1.  St. Louis – Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame

The Rams need a quarterback of the future and Spagnuolo wants to draft his guy.  Clausen’s draft stock is rising fast and he is playing better than any other quarterback in the college ranks.  He has an elite arm, great poise and pocket presence, and good leadership skills.  St. Louis has many needs and could also go with Suh or Okung to upgrade up front.

2.  Tampa Bay – Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska

This pick could be used on just about any defensive position.  The Bucs desperately need help on defense after trading and releasing many of their starters this past offseason.  Suh is a monster and will immediately upgrade their roster.  Eric Berry might also be taken here, but it might be a little too soon to take a safety.

3.  Tennessee – Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma

It would be very tempting for Tennessee to take a quarterback when picking this high but they have a lot of money invested in Young and will likely ride his contract out at least another year.  Fisher will attempt to fix their suddenly porous defense.  The only offseason loss was Haynesworth and so they would draft McCoy to fill that void left in their defensive front.  McCoy is an elite prospect and plays very well against the run or pass.

4.  Cleveland –  Eric Berry S Tennessee

Eric Mangini needs to be fired.  The Browns need to overhaul their staff again this season.  They are pathetic and dysfunctional.  They need to add talent immediately after Mangini traded away Edwards, Winslow, and passed on Sanchez in last year’s draft.  The only position the Browns don’t need is tackle, they are set for the next ten years with Joe Thomas.  If a quarterback grades out high enough to be worthy of this pick then that would be the logical choice.  However, I think Clausen will be the only top five quarterback of the draft and so the Browns will draft best available.  Berry is an unbelievable playmaker and will provide an Ed Reed like impact to the defense.  Berry is the best player in the draft and will provide a presence to the Browns defense that is sorely lacking.

5.  Kansas City – Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State

The Chiefs need to add talent to their roster and likely will take the best player available.  Okung will upgrade their porous offensive line and protect their investment in Matt Cassel.  Brandon Albert is a former 1^st round draft pick that currently starts at left tackle but is a holdover from the previous regime in Kansas City.  The new organization will not be afraid to move him around to make room for Okung.  Okung is a strong, athletic left tackle similar to Jake Long from Michigan two drafts ago.  The Chiefs have a lot of picks this draft and have an opportunity to add a lot of young talent to their team.

6.  Detroit – Trent Williams OT Oklahoma

Detroit needs to protect its investment in Matthew Stafford by upgrading its terrible offensive line.  The Lions have some young playmakers on offense and they need to give them some support up front to give them an opportunity to succeed.  Williams is an elite left tackle prospect and will anchor the Detroit line for the next decade.  Detroit needs to improve everyone and would likely take the best available if no elite tackle prospects are available.

7.  Oakland – Taylor Mays S USC

Taylor Mays is a physical specimen and has freakish athletic ability but his football instincts and ball skills have been questioned throughout his career.  Sounds like a perfect fit for Al Davis, football IQ is secondary to pure physical prowess.  Also, May’s 4.2 speed will make him irresistible to Al Davis.  This season has been disappointing for Mays but he still warrants a top 15 selection.  The Raiders should draft a top offensive tackle or a top defensive lineman if available but they have had shaky safety play this season so it wouldn’t be Al’s most ridiculous drat selection.

8.  Washington – Jake Locker QB Washington

The Redskins will have a new head coach and they have a solid defense.  Jason Campbell is not working out and a change is in order.  Locker has unmatched physical skills but his mental makeup needs some work.  He has great character but his ability to read the defense and make adjustments at the line is still a work in progress.  He should stay in college for another season to polish his skills but his draft stock is soaring right now and the money will be tempting.

9.  San Francisco (from Carolina) – Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma

I have a feeling that Alex Smith’s success is not here to last and Bradford is too tempting not to take with this pick.  Bradford has the potential to be something special in the NFL.  Bradford’s toughness and injury will be questioned and the shotgun heavy college offense will raise questions about how his game will translate to the next level.  San Francisco will need to have a lot of confidence in Bradford to draft him but this could turn into the steal of the draft.  Bradford has an underrated arm with great accuracy and has great intangibles.  Bradford will also need a smooth recovery from his surgery otherwise he may be forced to return to Oklahoma.

10.  Miami – Rolando McClain ILB Alabama

Miami could go in several directions with this pick.  They need a dynamic receiver and Dez Bryant is very tempting they also need a NT and S.  This is a bit too high to draft Cody and ILB is a big need.  McClain has looked like a monster this season and has all the tools to be a punishing middle linebacker in the NFL.  Also this draft is very deep with defensive lineman and Miami will be able to pick one up later in the draft.

11.  Seattle – C.J. Spiller RB Clemson

Seattle lacks playmakers on offense and should address this need with one of their two first round pick.  Dez Bryant is a viable option with this pick or an upgrade at offensive line.  However, Spiller is a special talent and fills a huge need at running back.  Spiller is an electrifying player in the open field and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

12.  Buffalo – Charles Brown OT USC

Buffalo needs help at the offensive tackle position after trading Jason Peters and failing to address that need in last year’s draft.  Brown has good athleticism at the tackle position with adequate agility and footwork.  He needs to finish blocks more consistently but is a good prospect with a solid all around game.

13.  Jacksonville – Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State

Jacksonville adds a very good receiver with this pick and helps to make their offense more dynamic.  Bryant is a dynamic returner and receiver with the size and athleticism to be a very good no. 1 wide receiver in the NFL.  Jacksonville could also upgrade at many other positions including S, OL, DE, and OLB.

14.  Denver(from Chicago) – Earl Thomas S Texas

Denver has a good mix of younger and older players on their roster and will be in position to draft best available.  Denver will take a strength, defense, and make it even stronger by adding Thomas.  Thomas will give the Broncos some youth at safety and Thomas also has great potential.  If a top quarterback falls look for Denver to try to move up and select him.

15.  San Francisco – Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech

With their second first round pick the 49ers will be looking to upgrade their defense.  Morgan is a very good prospect and has great size and strength.  Morgan will upgrade the pass rush of the 49ers and will provide an impact on defense.

16.  San Diego – Brandon Spikes ILB Florida

San Diego needs to upgrade its defense in particular its front seven.  Linebacker and safety are likely picks, and San Diego may be looking to replace old and oft injured NT Jamal Williams.  Spikes plays with viciousness and great awareness and has ideal size for the position.  He has great playmaking skills with superb play recognition.  His physical skills are not great but he has good strength.  He can struggle changing directions but still pursues very well.  His pass defense is very good in zone defense but his athleticism limits his man defense capabilities.  Overall he is a very solid player and his awareness and leadership makes up for his slight deficiency in speed and quickness.

17.  Baltimore – Joe Haden CB Florida

Baltimore needs to improve its cornerback play and it is their top need.  If Haden is available they will draft him but if not it will depend on how they grade the other top corner in the draft, Patrick Robinson.  Baltimore could also draft a top receiver or tight end.  Haden has great cover skills and is the best corner in the draft.

18.  Houston – Arthur Jones DT Syracuse

Jones is moving up draft boards quickly with a solid senior season.  Jones greatest attributes are his impressive strength and mental toughness.  He is a very good tackler and has a good motor but does not have an elite first step and does not possess many pass moves besides his effective bull rush.  Houston could also upgrade their secondary or grab another receiver to play opposite of Andre Johnson

19.  Green Bay (via New York Jets) – Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa

I have Green Bay trading with New York so they can draft a top offensive tackle in the draft.  This pick should be fairly obvious.  The number one problem for the Packers is their porous offensive line and Bulaga is a top tackle prospect that will immediately provide relief for Aaron Rodger’s blindside.  Green Bay needs to do what it takes so they are in position to draft one of the top offensive tackle prospects.  Keep an eye on Anthony Davis from Rutgers, he could work his way into the first round as well.

20.  Arizona – Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma

Arizona could also upgrade at offensive line or add depth to their front seven on defense.  However, Gresham has the potential to be a game changing tight end and would give the Cardinals even more offensive weapons beside Boldin, Breaston, Fitzgerald, and Wells.  Gresham has a rare combination of size and athleticism at the tight end position with a frame that could add even more bulk.  His route running and awareness on the field are knocks on him and his overall toughness has been questioned.  Also, he gives low effort and doesn’t seem to care when blocking.  He has all the physical tools to be an all-star but needs to put more time and care into his preparation and approach to the game.

21.  Atlanta – Carlos Dunlap DE Florida

Dunlap is a physical specimen and has unlimited upside, but he is having a terrible season this year.  If he can turn things around he could be a top ten pick but his attitude and effort issues will cause him to fall fast in the first round.  Dunlap has ideal size and great athleticism but fails to produce.  Atlanta needs to improve its pass rush and cannot pass on a potential top five player this late in the first round.

22.  Dallas – Arrelious Benn WR Illinois

Dallas could draft a receiver, defensive back, or linebacker.  Benn is a strong receiver with top notch athleticism but suffers from being on a bad Illinois team with inconsistent quarterback play.  Benn will provide another target for Romo across from breakout receiver Miles Austin.  Roy Williams is underperforming this season contributing to the Cowboys need for another offensive playmaker.

23.  Philadelphia – Greg Hardy DE Ole Miss

Philadelphia improves its pass rush with this draft pick and adds a potential game changing DE.  Hardy may not fall this far and is a top prospect at the DE position.  Hardy possesses great pass rushing skills and has great size and quickness.  Hardy has good strength and block shedding ability when defending the run.  He has great awareness and instincts but not have a great motor.  Has had some effort issues in the past and was benched for a game last season due to lack of effort.

24.  New York Jets (via Green Bay) – Brandon LaFell WR LSU

The Jets will look to add another weapon for Sanchez in the passing game.  LaFell has good height and strength with adequate top-end speed.  He is an excellent blocker but lacks polish in his route running.  He uses his body well and times his jumps to high point the ball making him a big play threat.  Also, he has very good run after catch ability and possesses natural ball skills and soft hands but still has room to improve his pass catching ability.

25.  Cincinnati – Everson Griffen DE USC

Griffen is a 40 front defensive end with very impressive pass rushing skills.  He has good size for the position but struggles with his consistency.  Cincinnati could look to add a game changer on offense, like Best, or upgrade their defensive line.

26.  Pittsburgh – Jahvid Best RB Cal

Pittsburgh has a solid roster and will be in position to take best available.  With Willie Parker on the decline and the emergence of Mendenhall, the Steelers could give themselves a very good and very young 1-2 punch.  Best has big play ability and can score any time he touches the ball.  Best possesses good vision and elite speed and quickness.  He can provide an impact as a rusher, receiver, and returner.  Pittsburgh may also draft for the offensive or defensive line to add depth and youth up front, especially with Aaron Smith suffering a season ending injury this season.

27.  New York Giants – Patrick Robinson CB Florida State

The Giants defense as a whole has struggled against good teams this season and will need to be improved in this off season.  The secondary in New York has been exploited and cornerback can be upgraded.  Robinson has excellent top-end speed with prototypical size.  He is aggressive and can be burned on occasion.  His ball skills are good and he is not afraid to come up and help in the run game.

28.  New England – Sergio Kindle OLB Texas

The Patriots will look to add youth at OLB but could also draft RB, CB, DL, and OL.  Kindle is a good prospect with great pass rushing skills, which is crucial in the 3-4 scheme.  Kindle has questions about his strength and struggles at the point of attack against running plays.  However, Kindle displays great pursuit down the line and a high motor against the run.  He shows potential to be good in zone coverage at the outside linebacker position in the 3-4.  Kindle has a great first step and is an accomplished pass rusher.  Kindle plays physically and has good recognition skills as well.

29.  Minnesota – Colt McCoy QB Texas

If the Vikings have an opportunity to draft a McCoy, Bradford, Clausen, or Locker in this draft they have to take it, including by trading up.  The Vikings are in a great position this draft because they have a solid roster which allows them to draft a quarterback of the future whether Favre retires after the season or not ( for the record I do not think Favre retires after this season).  If they are unable to get their hands on a quality quarterback they are likely to draft offensive line, safety, or add youth and depth to their defensive front seven.

30.  Seattle (from Denver) – Jared Odrick DT Penn State

Odrick is moving fast up draft boards and could move into the middle of the first round by April.  Seattle will look to improve up front and take some pressure off of their talented linebackers.  Odrick has good strength and has wide frame which allows him to eat up space.  He has a good motor and a quick first step, but he lacks lateral quickness and struggles in pursuit.

31.  Indianapolis – Navorro Bowman OLB Penn State

The defensive front seven will surely be addressed by Indianapolis this season because it is their biggest weakness.  Bowman specializes in rush defense and that is an area in which the Colts struggle.  Bowman’s pass defense is still untested but he is great fit in a 4-3 scheme, especially for a team struggling with its rush defense.  Bowman has good strength and performs well at the point of attack.  Bowman has not shown much in pass rushing ability.

32.  New Orleans – Sean Weatherspoon OLB Missouri

New Orleans will look to continue to improve its defense and add talent for second year coordinator Gregg Williams to work with.  Weatherspoon has ideal size and speed, with a thick build and sideline to sideline speed.  He has shown great toughness, he played through a torn labrum in the 2008 spring game.  He is not necessarily a punishing linebacker but wraps up well and tackles well in the open field.  His pass coverage is good and he reads the quarterback well and has decent ball skills.  He is the leader of Missouri’s defense and lines up the defense on a consistent basis.

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