Richard Lines’ Mock Draft (v2.0 – 1 Round)
1). Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma
The Rams have passed on Quarterbacks at the top of the draft the last two years with the end result being that Rams fans have seen their fates rest in the hands of Kyle Boller. In 2009, the Rams added Jason Smith to their roster with the hopes he can grow into a quality left tackle. Smith had his ups and down in 2009, but he does have great athleticism and his play should improve in his second season. If he doesn’t then the team will be in for tough times as Alex Barron appears to be on his way out of St. Louis. The Rams could choose to continue to address their defensive line with the additions of either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, but there will be defensive help available later in the draft. The Rams need to take a quarterback, so why not select the best player at the position in Bradford. The former Sooner is hyper accurate, has a deceptively strong arm and has taken a good number of snaps from under center; something that cannot be taken for granted nowadays. I can’t see the Rams bypassing on Bradford for either defensive tackle, regardless of the two other players’ skill.
2). Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska
The Lions need to protect Matthew Stafford at a higher level than they did in 2009. Obviously some of the blame can be placed on Stafford, as he was a rookie. However, the fact remains that the Lions have for far too long no invested resources in their offensive line and it shows. The Lions continue to add complementary weapons to the offense in the likes of Nate Burleson, but if Stafford does not have the time to survey the field it will all be for naught. The Lions did acquire guard Rob Simms from Seattle which may foretell another season at left tackle for Jeff Backus – which I think is a mistake. However, it is not what I would do, but what the Lions will in fact do. As much as a left tackle makes sense the best value on the board comes in the form of Ndamukong Suh, who should help the Lions’ defense become more physical up front.
3). Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma
The Buccaneers need help along the defensive line in any form they can get it whether it is at defensive end or tackle. The team released Jimmy Williams even though he was second on the team with 6 sacks in 2009, so there is a need to bring in players who can apply pressure. Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive tackle in the draft from an overall sense, and he did have 24 sacks in comparison to McCoy’s 14.5. But, with Suh already off the board, the Bucs may be forced to select McCoy as a fit for their defense. One thing to consider is if the Lions do in fact pass on Suh for a left tackle. If that happens, it is entirely possible that the Bucs take Suh over McCoy here. McCoy is more of a natural fit as a 3 technique tackle, but Suh is the better overall player. In this scenario the choice is McCoy.
4). Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma
With the Redskins have just trading for Donovan McNabb, and losing their second round pick, it makes offensive tackle all the more likely at #4. The team does not have great play makers on offense, but the team needs to protect their newest addition. The Redskins and Mike Shanahan will have to invest in the offensive line early given the limited number of picks the Redskins have heading into the 2010 Draft. The team would like to trade down and accumulate more picks as the defense is switching to a 3-4 this year, however the likelihood of that happening may be minimal. Barring a trade down the Redskins likely will take either Trent Williams or Russell Okung as both players fit what Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Word is that the Redskins will take Williams over Okung as they feel the former is the more athletic player.
5). Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma State
The Chiefs have been one of the busier teams in the 2010 off season as they try to add talent to their roster. The team has brought in Thomas Jones and Ryan Lilja to improve the offense and provide Matt Cassell hopefully more of a chance to be a factor in 2010. The team does still need help along the offensive line, and there may be a consideration for Bryan Bulaga and Russell Okung here. Personally, I don’t think Bulaga is a left tackle on the next level, and as such see his selection as a poor use of resources at this stage of the draft, but again this isn’t always what I think. Looking at the board there will likely be only two positions that will carry the value the Chiefs can live with at 5th overall: Offensive Tackle and Rush Linebacker. My dark horse pick for the Chiefs could be Derrick Morgan as he would now make Mike Vrabel more of a part time player. Morgan is one player I find it hard to pigeon hole solely as a defensive end as he does have decent hips and footwork although he has very little ankle flexion. Interestingly enough, the Chiefs do not ask their strong side linebackers to drop very far in coverage; which may work in Morgan’s favor. In the end, I think that offensive tackle carries more value as a position; which makes the selection Okung.
6). Eric Berry – FS – Tennessee
The Seahawks need a left tackle in the worst way regardless of who is starting at quarterback this season. Walter Jones simply is not going to make it through a 16 game season anymore and the team cannot afford to bypass the position any longer. There is a notion that Seattle could pass on a left tackle early because of the presence of Alex Gibbs. Gibbs is well known for making the most out of lower round selections, but he has also had the benefit of working with first round talent at the position. He was on the staff in Houston that selected Duane Brown from Virginia Tech. Another need is at defensive end as Patrick Kerney has retired, but in the end I think the value Berry provides is too much to pass up.
7). Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech
The Browns had one of the worst secondaries in football in 2009, so seeing Eric Berry here would be a godsend for defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. The team has acquired Sheldon Brown from the Eagles in an effort to add talent to secondary already this off season. This move likely doesn’t rule out the team taking another secondary player later on, but in reality the Browns need help along their defensive line as well, which may make Jared Odrick a target. However, Berry is truly a Top 3 talent, and getting a player of his caliber here may make passing on him impossible. The Browns do have other picks at their disposal, but with this move it will free the team up to address many of their other needs in the middle rounds of the draft. Berry’s addition along the the veteran Brown, should allow Ryan to feel more comfortable using blitzes as a means to apply pressure.
8). Mike Iupati – OT/G – Idaho
The Raiders are typically somewhat eccentric with their draft strategy, so this pick is always up in the air in my mind. The Raiders just resigned Langston Walker to compete for the right tackle spot along with Khalif Barnes. Last year’s starter – Cornell Green joined the Bills this offseason, making such a competition viable. The Raiders do need to bring in a left tackle prospect to protect whoever winds up winning the starting quarterback job; which will likely be Bruce Gradkowski in my opinion. The Raiders could also use help on the other side of the line as well after cutting both Greg Ellis and Gerard Warren. The team did bring in Kamerion Wimbley, but he is being asked to play strong side linebacker according to Head Coach Tom Cable. This leaves a very large hole at defensive end. Richard Seymour can be moved inside to replace Warren as a means of reinforcing the middle of the defense which was putrid against the run. If this is a consideration, then Morgan’s selection fills a need and provides the team with value for the furture. There is always the possibility that the club takes Jared Odrick here to fill the need, but in the end I think Al Davis makes a good move for the first time in years and adds Derrick Morgan to the roster. After all of that thought, the Raiders may make good on the rumors and draft Iupati here as they are apparently infatuated with his talent.
9). Bryan Bulaga – OT – Iowa
The Bills will see a shakeup with new coach Chan Gailey at the helm. Gailey is somewhat of a throwback in terms of coaching style. One of the first things players and observers have noticed is a change in the team’s offseason workout philosophy. Gailey is trying to make the team more physical; a trait every other team in AFC East brings with them. Some of the offensive issues are absolutely due to the Bills playing two rookies and having just about every player incumbent on the line playing in a new position. That amount of change on a unit that requires consistency and trust amongst its members will affect their play. The Bills have brought in Cornell Green from Oakland to help fill the hole at right tackle, although it remains to be seen how effective that strategy will prove. My basic question is how bad is the Bills offensive line – truly? Is it worse off than their depth at wide receiver? Highly doubtful. Outside of Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish (who had only 3 receptions in 2009) there is not proven receiver on the roster. The Bills have a glaring need at quarterback as neither Ryan Fitzpatrick nor Trent Edwards appears to be the answer at the position. If Jimmy Clausen is there he may very well be the pick due to the value he provides versus other positions of need for the Bills. In the end the Bills may just try and fix the offensive line first to see what they have at quarterback before they try and bring in new talent to that position as well. Bulaga gets the nod.
10). Brandon Graham – DE/OLB – Michigan
The Jaguars face something of a dilemma as they do not have a second round pick in this year’s draft. As such, the team must ensure that whoever their first round selection is, that player can come in and contribute from day one. The Jaguars have been linked to Jimmy Clausen as the team may be looking to find a replacement for David Garrard sooner rather than later. However, with the Bills taking the Notre Dame signal caller, the Jags must look elsewhere. The team has a need at linebacker where the unit is a bit pedestrian, but the real problem of defense is the unit’s inability to generate pressure. The team has tried to jettison Quentin Groves twice without success and Derrick Harvey has hardly lit up the AFC South. The team needs an instant impact, and with the defense’s propensity to alternate between a 4-3 and a 3-4, getting a player with the versatility and production Graham would provide could be a God send. If the Jaguars ever wish to win the division, they must beat the Colts, and to do that the team needs to put him on his back. It’s not a sexy pick, but an effective one none the less.
11). Rolando McClain – ILB – Alabama
This certainly seems like an odd selection considering the team’s apparent needs, but the Broncos do need help along their offensive front. Their most pressing need along the front may be at center but in reality taking a center here is not the best option. The Broncos have spent a good deal of their resources this off season in upgrading their defensive line with the acquisition of Jamal Williams, Jarvis Green, and Justin Bannan. However, all of these player are over 30 years old and the team doesn’t have a great deal of depth behind them which could very make Jared Odrick an option here as he is the best 5 technique defensive end available in the 202 Draft in my opinion. Both McClain and Odrick would seem to fit the mold of what the Broncos appear to be looking for. In the end I think Josh McDaniels elects to secure his front seven and use the rest of the draft to fill out his roster.
12). Jerry Hughes – OLB – TCU
The Dolphins have been conspicuously uninterested in Jerry Hughes if you keep track of player meetings and visits. I find that interesting as he could very well be the best pure pass rusher in the 2010 Draft. Hughes could fit right into what Mike Nolan and Jeff Ireland look for in terms abilities. Nolan’s defense needs an outside linebacker that can drop into coverage; often times covering tight ends down the field. Jeff Ireland – Miami’s GM, likes to find players that are quick and athletic when he drafts rush linebackers. Hughes is not the ideal player in terms of height, but his ability to rush the passer and the way the board has fallen Hughes gets the nod.
13). Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame
Mike Singletary has publicly come out and stated that Alex Smith will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2010. That very well may be the case, but the fact remains the 49ers need to address the position as Smith has yet to prove that he is a bonafide NFL signal caller. Smith did flourish when the offense featured more of a spread feel towards the end of last season, but it is also no secret that Singletary wants to run a more conventional offense. Clausen is widely considered the most pro ready quarterback after having played under Charlie Weiss. I don’t know if that statement is necessarily true, as so did Brady Quinn, who as of yet has done nothing to warrant his first round selection. Regardless the team must bring in someone who can be the long term solution to the problem, and with the team having another pick at #17 there is time to address their needs at offensive tackle and within the secondary.
14). Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma State
It is no secret the Seahawks need help at offensive tackle and defensive end after the retirement of Patrick Kerney and the overall lack of depth on the roster. However I wonder if Pete Carroll would consider drafting such a player at this juncture of the draft. It is also no secret that the Seahawks along with the Dolphins were the teams most interested in acquiring Brandon Marshall. Carroll has stocked his collegiate rosters with big wide receivers and it is evident the team and the coach believe they need one now. Bryant may not be a down field burner, but he could be a nice complement to the Seahawks receiving corp. T.J. Housmandzadeh is at his best when he is a #2 receiver, and the Seahawks have enough speed with Deon Butler; although he does need to produce more.
15). Jared Odrick – DT – Penn State
Most would like to put Rolando McClain here and if he were available it might be tempting. However, even if he were on the board is he the best fit in a cover 2 system? A player like Daryl Washington might be a better overall fit for the scheme. The Giants could surprise everyone and take an offensive lineman if they feel there is one worthy of the selection. The Giants running game took a step back in 2009, and most people want to blame the running backs. I think the offensive line was certainly responsible for the decline in production as well and the team will likely look at add to the unit at some stage. Perry Fewel’s new system will require strong, athletic players at the defensive tackle position and with Jared Odrick on the board he could certainly be the fit the scheme needs up front. Jay Alford is largely untested and Rocky Bernard is hardly a stalwart himself. This unit needs attention if the cover 2 scheme is to be anywhere near effective and Odrick is a good fit.
16). Jason Pierre-Paul – DE – USF
The Titans have 2 real needs heading into this season; one is at corner and the other is at defensive end. Kyle Vanden Bosch has moved on and has left the unit without a truly explosive player. Jacob Ford is a nice player, but he really needs someone opposite him to continue to be effective. The Titans can bring Pierre-Paul along slowly this season as he gains experience against better competition. Pierre-Paul has a good first step and and is athletically gifted and may remind some front office personnel of former first rounder Jevon Kearse. A corner could also be the pick here, but the Titans do not have many must haves so they can look to fill a need here and use the draft to continue to acquire depth.
17). Joe Haden – CB – Florida
The 49ers have needs within their secondary with Nate Clements being well over 30 and the rest of the unit largely being made up of adequate yet unspectacular players outside of Dashon Goldson and Shawntae Spencer. Haden can come in and immediately help the unit become more of a component in the team’s success. Haden is a willing tackler which should make him more of a target for head coach Mike Singletary. Haden’s presence now should free up the 49ers to address their needs along the offensive line in the second or third rounds as the team needs a right tackle, which typically can be found in the middle rounds.
18). Maurkice Pouncey – C – Florida
The Steelers have needs at corner and along their defensive line as well as their offensive line and now wide receiver. The team could really use to add another young defensive lineman as the unit still features many players over the age of 30. Unfortunately there may not be a player who will present the team with the help it requires. The team could look to draft Devin McCourty here as they have a need at corner and McCourty has the size and physicality the Steelers seem to seek out for the position. In the end though I think the Steelers continue to address their offensive line which went largely untouched aside from the additions of Kraig Ubrick and Tony Hills. Pouncey should provide the team the presence it lost when Jeff Hartings retired.
19). Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma
The Falcons could be in a bit of a quandry in terms of who to take at this spot in the draft. Thomas Dimitrov hails from the Bill Bellichick school of thought and will likely apply positional value to the draft. The Falcons could use another defensive end but is there really a player worthy of the 19th selection? No. The team could use help along the interior and could very well take Maurkice Pouncey if he is still available. The team is without a second round selection and whoever the team takes must be a contributor. Tony Gonzalez is an amazing talent, but how much longer can he continue to be productive? Acquiring Gresham now means the team has a replacement in place for the future, continues to add weapons to the offense for Matt Ryan. Many will call for a linebacker here, but the scheme the falcons run doesn’t typically place a first round value on the position.
20). C.J. Spiller – RB – Clemson
This may seem like a surprise pick given Gary Kubiak’s lineage and the team’s need at corner. But, with this being a deep draft for the corner position, and the team’s need for a dynamic runner this could be a match made in heaven. Spiller is a decent inside runner, operates in space well and can be used on returns. His talent may be too much for the Texans to pass up at this stage of the draft. Spiller is an amazing talent and with his ability to accelerate through a crease, he could very well make Houston’s offense unstoppable. The team could look to select either Kareem Jackson Earl Thomas or Devin McCourty here if they choose to go in another direction.
21). Earl Thomas – FS – Texas
The Bengals situation at safety is almost abysmal. The fact Roy Williams was asked to produce is a clear indication of where the unit stands. The Bengals defense is pretty stout up front and at corner where they have enough talent. If Mike Zimmer can have a talent like Thomas at safety then he could truly become diabolical as a coordinator. The team could look to add talent at wide receiver or Jermaine Grehsam should he be available, but with Atlanta taking the tight end one spot ahead, the Bengals fill a need with a quality player who may have slipped just a bit further than his talent would indicate.
22). Sergio Kindle – OLB – Texas
The Patriots have several needs on their defense and may in fact look to trade up in order to select Jared Odrick if he comes within range or they covet him that much. Bill Bellichick has typically placed more value on the tight end position at this stage of the first round than rush linebacker in the past, but given the way the board has fallen and the lack of depth at the position on the roster, Kindle may be a good fit. The Patriots will look for player who fit the archetype more often than not, but have been rumored to also be interested in Jerry Hughes as an option. Basically, the Patriots are looking for an explosive player who can bring pressure off the edge. Kindle is the pick here.
23). Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers
The Packers do have needs along their offensive line, corner and at outside linebacker. Anthony Davis must become stronger if he is to compete at the next level, but he may be allowed to sit for some time as the Packers have brought back both starting tackle from last season in Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Neither should be the long term answer and the team must find a way to protect Aaron Rodgers, as it is evident he will be an MVP contender if he is allowed to set his feet with more regularity. The Packers could also look to select a corner like Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty or kareem Jackson as they need to bring in young quality players at the position as well.
24). Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers
The Eagles have traded away Sheldon Brown to the Browns and as such have made a whole within their unit. The team must acquire help either at safety or at corner and have been rumored to be very interested in earl Thomas should he in fact make it this far down the board. The eagles could also use help at defensive end and the team could find itself selecting a player like Everson Griffen here as well. In the end though i think McCourty becomes the pick as the team addresses perhaps its biggest weakness.
25). Brian Price – DT – UCLA
The Ravens have lost quite a few defensive line players this off season and the team must find players to replace them with if the unit is to continue to prosper. Brian Price provides the team the penetrating presence that Ozzie Newsome has consistently provided the unit furing his tenure as General Manager. The Ravens could use help at tight end as well, but there really isn’t anyone worthy of this pick here. With the addition of Anquan Boldin the team does not not need to take a wide receiver here although someone like Golden Tate may be an option.
26). Sean Weatherspoon – OLB – Missouri
The Cardinals could certainly use help at wide receiver after losing both Jerheme Urban and Anquan Boldin this offseason which could make Golden Tate or Demaryius Thomas an option at #26. However, the team lost Karlos Dansby through free agency and is relying on an aged Joey Porter and Clark Haggans as perhaps the best the linebacking unit can offer. Weatherspoon would certainly bring some athleticism to the unit with Porter being more of a liability against the pass than he was earlier in his career. In the end I think this pick makes too much sense to ignore.
27). Charles Brown – OT – USC
The Cowboys finally have moved on from Flozell Adams at left tackle and may in fact be relying on Doug Free to man the position. But, in reality Free worked out on the right side in 2009 in place of Marco Columbo, who is also coming to the end of his career. The Cowboys need help at the position regardless and the whole offensive line continues to need quality players added. Wide receiver may also be an option along with safety as the team was reportedly interested in Earl Thomas quite heavily. With Thomas gone, the team may turn to the next best option at tackle.
28). Ryan Matthews – RB – Fresno State
With the release of LT the team must find a replacement capable of elevating one of the worst rushing attack in football in 2009. Matthews is a solid but unspectacular runner who may fit into what Norv Turner likes to do on offense. The team could decide to move another direction as and select Dan Williams who is still on the board in this Mock. Corner may also be an issue with the trade of Antonio Cromartie, but there may be enough depth at the position to allow for it to be addressed later on.
29). Tyson Alualu – DT – California
The Jets are rumored to be interested in dumping some of their more high priced talent after the draft in somewhat of a salary purge. Chaun Ellis has not produced the way the had expected and may look to upgrade along the defensive front with the addition of Alualu. The Cal product may be somewhat unknown to most fans but he could be a perfect fit in what Rex Ryan does on defense. Alualu is strong at the point of attack and is a non stop effort type player which is something the Jets could use heading into 2010.
30). Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama
Brad Childress may not appear to have many needs on his football team but with the team having Antoine Winfield as the best corner on the team the unit may need some young blood behind him. Jackson is a physical corner who can excel at man to man coverage. Given the aggressive front of the Vikings, such a player in the secondary may make the unit almost inpregnable moving forward. Bringing in Jackson may allow the team to move Cedric Griffen to safety where he may be a better fit than at corner given the depth at that position as well.
31). Roger Saffold – OT Indiana
The Colts have a need at left tackle and after Bill Polian publicly criticized the offensive line after the Super Bowl loss to the Saints it is likely that Peyton Manning has a new blind side protector in 2010. Polian seems to have an affinity to Big 10 players and with Saffold being the athletic mix the Colts seem to desire, it could be an easy call come draft day for the Colts. There could also be some interest in a defensive tackle or possibly a center such as Boston College’s Matt Tennet who also fits the mold of what the Colts look for in offensive lineman. Either way I think the Colts must help this area of the team first.
32). Daryl Washington – OLB – TCU
The Saints may continue to see god fortune if this turns out to the pick for them here. Washington is an athletic rangy defender who can handle coverage responsibilities as well as the point of attack. With Washington in the fold the saints could have the fastest set of linebackers in the NFL moving forward. Everson Griffen may also be an option as the team does need help at defensive end as well and maybe safety. In the end though, I think Washington brings too much to the table to be ignored.