Simon Clancy’s Mock Draft (v2.0 – 2 Rounds)
Round 1
1). Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma.
6 weeks on, I’m sticking with Sam Bradford as the number one pick. The release of Marc Bulger, coupled with Bradford’s outstanding workout just about confirms it. That workout led Gil Brandt to declare that Bradford’s throwing session, attended by a cache of Rams coaches and front office staff members was as good as Troy Aikman’s when the now Hall of Famer left UCLA. The Rams DO need help everywhere and, in taking Bradford, would be passing up two of the finest interior defensive linemen of the past decade. In fact, I grade Suh out as the best defensive player I’ve seen in two decades. But the Rams have fallen on hard times with high picked defensive linemen that haven’t panned out. Neither Adam Carriker or Chris Long have lived up to their billings and all the while Marc Bulger was getting older and less effective. Doubtless the drafting of a previous administration will play little against what the Rams ultimately decide to, but they need a fresh face to the franchise and in Bradford is that man. Is there a possibility that they take Suh and chance their arm with either Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy at 33? It’s possible but colour me very surprised if the Commissioner isn’t announcing Bradford’s name as the first overall pick of the 2010 Draft. At 236lbs and with the shoulder getting a clean bill of health both medically and on the field, he possesses an underrated arm, elite accuracy and top line footwork to become a very good QB in the NFL and should signal a statement of intent for Steve Spagnuolo and the St Louis Rams.
2).Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska.
It’s as you were for me here. Regardless of the Anthony Hargrove talk, this has always made sense, more so now with Hargrove signing his contract in New Orleans. The trade for Corey Williams means that the former Packer and Brown will revert to his more favoured position, that of a three technique. By the very nature of that trade it almost certainly rules out the premier three technique in the draft, Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy. But it doesn’t rule out the draft’s best player in Suh who has the ability and versatility to feature almost anywhere along that Lion front. At times, Detroit could put Suh out at end, allowing Sammie Hill, Terrence Taylor or Andre Fluellen to rotate in and out which will also help the Lions issues on the outside. Suh’s presence will allow a pretty decent linebacking corps of Sims, Peterson and last years 3rd rounder DeAndre Levy to improve on 2009’s showing and whilst pieces of the puzzle emerge elsewhere – Stafford, a pretty solid 4 deep group at WR, Louis Delmas at FS, etc., two is simply too high to address some of the issues at cornerback and along the offensive line. Russell Okung is a very good LT but I’m not sure he’s elite enough to warrant the second overall pick. Picking at 34 in round 2, the Lions will be perfectly placed to land the highest rated tackle, corner or running back on their board as the rebuilding job continues.
3). Gerald McCoy -DT – Oklahoma.
As with Suh at pick two, there’s no change here either. There is a real lack of talent throughout the Buccaneers roster, but in a division where the both the Falcons and Panthers lean heavily on strong running games and the Saints like to throw the ball down the field with alacrity, there is a need to add stability, talent and something of a rush threat on the defensive line. Step forward Gerald McCoy, a devastating interior defender with outstanding quickness and a consistent ability to collapse the pocket and get to the QB. He is a ferocious athlete with a truly breathtaking first step and a non stop motor. The Bucs might have the worst collection of defensive ends in the NFL but having a Gerald McCoy in the inside immediately makes that group better because of the way he will soak up extra blockers as well as forcing the opposing QB into the arms of the ends by crushing inwards that pocket. They could happily go a number of different ways here, but with McCoy’s talent and ability to come in and contribute right away, it makes him very tough to pass on. Eric Berry is an option and both he and Dez Bryant have taken visits and arming good looking young QB Josh Freeman makes sense, but not as much sense as McCoy.
4). Russell Okung – LT – Oklahoma State.
It’s been a busy few weeks in DC and it may get busier if the rumours of the Redskins giving Denver this pick come to fruition for WR Brandon Marshall. But Mike Shananan’s made a bold move in trading for veteran Donavan McNabb and he needs to protect him. His passing gift to Broncos fans was premier left tackle Ryan Clady, taken in the first round of the 2008 draft. His opening present to the Redskins should follow a similar suit. Okung is as premier as it gets at the position in this draft and whilst perhaps not as accomplished as Clady, the OSU star delivers leadership, athleticism and the ability to lock down the left tackle spot for a decade. With the retirement of veteran stalwart Chris Samuels, not only do the Redskins need a new backside protector for McNabb, but also a new firebrand for their offense; Okung delivers on both fronts. In the end, the Sam Bradford workout meant that he was highly unlikely to fall to four and so they pulled the trigger on McNabb. Getting a cornerstone left tackle to protect the 34 year old is a very wise move especially given how mediocre the Redskins OL is. With that in mind, Okung makes an awful lot of sense right here.
5). Trent Williams – LT – Oklahoma
It’s a change here at pick five for me, based on the scuttlebutt. I had Eric Berry primed for take off for the Chiefs. His game film is absolutely outstanding and the exclamation mark came at the Combine when he was all business and turned in one of the finest workouts I’ve ever seen by any player regardless of position. But it seems as though Scott Pioli doesn’t value the safety position enough to warrant using the 5th pick with it, despite Berry’s talent. The Chiefs, despite the arrival a year ago of Todd Haley and Pioli, remain somewhat in turmoil. A roster barren of true talent, they invested a large sum of money in Matt Cassel, only for some to ask at the culmination of a largely disappointing season, why Tyler Thigpen wasn’t given more time. Part of the problem was that Cassel lacked protection and there may not be a prospect in the draft whose stock is rising as quickly as Williams’s is. The All American, who strongly considered coming out as a junior, offers Haley’s club the sort of versatility and power up front that this group has been lacking. A career RT until 2009, Williams endured some rough early outings on the left side only to battle back and see out his career in Norman in some style. A much more well rounded player than his former team mate Phil Loadholt, who started all 16 games for the Vikings on the right, Williams is a more consistent and perhaps safer bet than Bulaga. Protecting Cassel and creating holes for Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones will be critical and the battle hardened Williams should be up to the task.
6). Eric Berry – FS – Tennessee
Despite the rumours in Washington, this is another pick that could end up in the Mile High city if the Seahawks sign WR Brandon Marshall to a successful offer sheet. But until that time comes, let’s deal in what we know. And what we know about Pete Carroll is that he values playmakers. You only have to look at the roster of studs on both sides of the ball at USC to know that. And he also need only look at his centre-fielders in Seattle to know that he has issues. He has strength at linebacker and corner and whilst he could easily dip into the offensive well with either Clemson’s CJ Spiller who I initially tagged here in mock one or Dez Bryant to give Charlie Whitehurst a legitimate down field target, Berry is simply too good to pass up here. With Deon Grant released Berry would start from week one and should be a fixture in the All Pro ballots for many years to come. Unquestionably he’s been the standout defensive back in college football ever since he stepped foot inside Neyland Stadium as a true freshman and he excels in all aspects of safety play. His business like approach to the Combine and what it represented highlighted just how seriously he takes the game. Even at 6, this would represent a tremendous value selection for the new Seattle administration.
7). Jared Odrick -DT – Penn State
Originally I had Derrick Morgan pegged here but as time has gone on I have become more and more concerned with his ability to play OLB in a 3-4. Hence the change. It was interesting to note at the press conference to announce Joshua Cribb’s contract extension, that the electric return man referred only to ‘Coach Holmgren’ rather than his actual coach, Eric Mangini. That speaks volumes about Holmgren’s influence on proceedings in Ohio and how he will look to rebuild a franchise that’s been flagging for far too long. Just how he goes about that will be determined through the 2010 draft, a draft that sees the Browns in a very strong position to bolster their team as they enter it with nine overall picks including two in the third round. The offense remains an enigma wrapped inside a conundrum; the trading of Brady Quinn seemed a strange one given he’d only played 12 games. Jake Delhomme looks well down the other side of the hill, but Mike Holmgren knows QB’s. It may be that there’s a passer he sees in round two that he thinks he can get his hands on. Tim Tebow perhaps, sitting behind a classy vet like Delhomme with a solid safety valve in Seneca Wallace in the wings? The hot name here is Joe Haden of Florida, but a slow forty time at the Combine highlights what shows up on film; an inability to keep receivers from getting open deep and with mediocre safety play, taking the Florida standout might be too much of a gamble here. Odrick has always been very high on our boards. A 43 defensive tackle, he’s the prototype 34 end who can kick inside to NT on obvious passing downs. A hard worker with great hands and a relentless nature, he has an element of Richard Seymour to his game. He’s a safe, solid pick here for a team that needs a few of those.
8). Bryan Bulaga – OT – Iowa
Al Davis is unpredictable and as Chris beautifully summed up in his first mock, ‘perhaps the most unpredictable thing for Davis to do is make the safe pick’. Bulaga is a relatively safe pick. Whilst it’s easy to goad Raider fans into thinking that their owner will draft either of the two Combine workout warriors, LT Bruce Campbell or S Taylor Mays, the reality is that neither are close to being good enough for the top 10. The Raiders tried to nail down the left tackle position in 2004 with another Iowa product in Robert Gallery, but the former 2nd overall pick struggled because of limited athletic ability and was eventually kicked inside to guard where, to his credit, he has made a major career resurrection. Neither Jamarcus Russell or Darren McFadden have problems that can be fixed by drafting Bulaga, but he will certainly help alleviate some of the issues and the all Hawkeye left side could quickly become one of the best tandems in the NFL. Strong, with excellent leverage ability and a good understanding of the position, he was impressive in Indianapolis and figures to represent solid value in and around this area.
9). Charles Brown – OT – USC
The Bills are another team switching to the 34, making the AFC East the league’s first all 3-4 division. So while new head coach Chan Gailey tries to find a quarterback to run his offense and receivers to throw to, he also needs to assess the personnel on the defensive side of the ball. With that in mind, he could easily look to bring in Tennessee’s Dan Williams to man the NT position, however they have a number of possibilities already on the roster in Lonnie Harvey who figures to be in the mix for downs one and two and Kyle Williams on obvious passing downs and Buffalo could easily see greater value in trying to land Alabama’s Terrence Cody or even North Carolina’s Cam Thomas in round’s two and three rather than hope that the inconsistent Williams is the answer. But it’s the exterior of the offensive line that is more critical than perhaps any position on the team. Demetrius Bell started the year at left tackle, but struggled with speed rushers and with penalties and ended the year on IR. RT Brad Butler, a pretty solid performer, rocked the Bills by announcing his retirement after only four years in the league. Whilst Jamon Meredith was well regarded in some quarters coming out of South Carolina, he’s seen as more of a RT prospect at this stage and Kirk Chambers is more suited to a back up role. The interior three are a strong group, but if the Bills are to move forward then they need to protect the QB in a division which features quality rush ends and linebackers. Brown has flown somewhat under the radar to this point at a position where there is good quality into the second round but he is on film the most athletic left tackle in this draft, He has outstanding feet, a great ability to get to the second level and a real understanding of angles. With Coach Gailey’s predilection for putting the ball in the air, he’s going to need a top line pass protector on the edge and Brown is a good player with a lot of upside. They may bow and take Jimmy Clausen or even Tim Tebow here – Jim Kelly has been a strong advocate. But surely value at that spot is best served in the second round.
10). Rolando McClain – ILB – Alabama
This pick for me remains the same. Jags GM Gene Smith is a man who believes in drafting for skill without necessarily being shackled by need. That said, the Jaguars play in a division in which four of it’s games come against the aerial attacks of the Colts and Texans respectively and their pass coverage unit was woeful a year ago, ranking 27th in the NFL, so a corner such as Florida’s Joe Haden or Alabama’s Kareem Jackson would make an awful lot of sense here. However, it’s a very deep draft at the position and certainly the emergence of last years 3rd round pick Derek Cox from William and Mary gives cause for much hope. The defensive front is strong and the addition of Aaron Kampman opposite Derrick Harvey should not only increase pressure on the opposing passer, but also give underachieving Quentin Groves the kick in the rear to try and save his floundering career. But at the second level the linebacking corps is very average and they currently have just two inside linebackers on the roster in Justin Durant and Brian Iwuh. Durant’s a decent player, but he’s better suited outside where he played initially for the Jags and at Hampton. It would push incumbent Clint Ingram to a back up role and pair Durant with impressive 2nd year man Russell Allen, allowing McClain to come in and start from week 1, bringing his outstanding instincts and leadership abilities to the field. Some teams have him higher than this, others don’t have him in round one at all, but Gene Smith should have a high grade on the Butkus Award winner who immediately upgrades this unit.
11). Daryl Washington – ILB – TCU
You might consider this the first shock of the draft. But Josh McDaniels was around Scott Pioli long enough to know that what the consensus draft board thinks and what your draft board thinks are two totally different things. Pioli took a LG a round earlier than some people had him tagged but all Logan Mankins has done is gone to multiple Pro Bowls and become one of the best guards in the league. Similarly two years ago, Pioli stepped up and picked Jerod Mayo twenty or so picks ahead of the consensus and watched him win Defensive Rookie of the Year. The moral of this story is that McDaniels knows the value of staying true to your board, as does Brian Xanders the GM. The Broncos entered free agency hoping to fix the front seven and they came out of the blocks like a cannon, signing Justin Bannan from Baltimore, Jarvis Green from the Patriots and Jamal Williams who had been cut by the Chargers. All of a sudden the weakness of the front three has become a real strength. Wink Martindale the new defensive co-ordinator is committed to the 3-4, but what he needs is a premier inside linebacker who can get off blocks consistently, flow to the perimeter and make plays down the field in coverage. With the release of veteran Andra Davis, this has become critical. Fortunately, this is everything that Daryl Washington’s game is about. A coach who schemed against him last year told me that he more than DE/OLB Jerry Hughes, could be “very special”. I see Washington possessing the ability to come on and play the mike position alongside Pro Bowl alternate DJ Williams at the Jack and giving the Broncos a very strong inside linebacker corps that’s well protected by a retooled defensive front. Do not underestimate how well thought of Washington is and it’s clear by the number of interviews with 3-4 teams how he’s being looked at.
12). Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma State
The Dolphins made a couple of interesting moves in free agency. Initially they shored up a leaky ILB position, adding Karlos Dansby to slide in to the role of freelancer in Mike Nolan’s 34 defence, moving Channing Crowder to the role of ‘banger’. They also tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to recruit both Antrel Rolle and Ryan Clark, even getting Clark into the building before he chose to resign with Pittsburgh. But one position they never looked at once, despite there being a number of potential players available, was wide receiver. It’s clear the Dolphins have their quarterback and in Ronnie Brown (when healthy) and Ricky Williams, they have a running game that is the envy of the league. And whilst there are solid players in the receiving corps – Bess and Hartline specifically – there really isn’t the dominating force that would take a safety out of the box and give strong armed Chad Henne the down the field weapon that this team has lacked since the Marks Brothers and Irving Fryar. Bryant would represent a change in strategy for the Dolphin front office, although the influence of General Manager Jeff Ireland should not be understated despite the presence of Bill Parcells. Bryant, who was suspended for much of the 2009/10 season is not your archetypal Parcells selection, but then Bryant is a special player. The Dolphins resorted to an offense that for a season and a half stunned and surprised teams but slowly, as defenses figured it out and indeed as Chad Henne started to find his feet as a passer, the Dolphins were simply shut down because of their lack of a big play threat. Not any more. Bryant has spent much time with the Dolphins who don’t have any problems with his rather overplayed character issues. He would represent a very solid pick at this point for a team crying out for a receiver with this skill set.
13). CJ Spiller – RB – Clemson
The 49ers have plenty of options at this point both with the 13th and 17th selections. They have a number of holes to fill on both sides of the ball and the offensive line is crying out for help. But they rely heavily on a run game that, when it’s main ball carrier Frank Gore is healthy can move the ball consistently on anyone. But too often Gore’s injury problems raise their ugly head. Plagued with serious issues in college, it has been the niggling variety that have at times slowed him down and the promise shown at Alabama by Glen Coffee hasn’t as yet come to the fore. The opportunity to add Spiller may simply be too good to pass up at this point. Alex Smith has valuable weapons on offense with the emergence of TE Vernon Davis and WR Michael Crabtree, but he may never have had a weapon like Spiller. The ability as a running back to take the ball the distance is countered by his ability as a safety valve receiver who will catch anything and everything, as well as game breaking talents on special teams. Whilst they may like the look of Anthony Davis or Bruce Campbell at this point, the Clemson superstar is simply too good to pass up at this point.
14). Mike Iupati – G – Idaho
Before I talk too much about this pick I will throw in the caveat that I believe if Derrick Morgan falls to this point, that the New England Patriots will use one of those three second rounders to move up and secure him. But as this is a trade free mock, I’ll carry on. The Seahawks defensive line has some issues. Getting to the QB has been a problem and Patrick Kerney is now 33. On the other side there is a rotation of players including former Eagle Chris Clemons, FA Brandon Miller and disappointing former first rounder Lawrence Jackson. So putting the aforementioned Morgan into that mix would revitalise that defense. But Seattle’s offensive line is at critical status. Max Unger, Chris Spencer and Sean Locklear are the only constants in that group. Walter Jones may retire, whilst LG Rob Sims was traded to Detroit, leaving a hole. Iupati could fill it and then some. The Idaho guard has athleticism and power to burn and would be an opening day starter, giving Pete Carroll’s team a terrific interior triumvirate of Iupati, Spencer and Unger. It’s a value pick here at a need spot.
15). Dan Williams – DT – Tennessee
Much like my first attempt it’s as you were at pick 15. The Giants have a number of issues throughout the team. In fact some observers felt like Tom Coughlin might just have taken this group as far as he can. They were plagued with off field problems a year ago; the high profile Plaxico Burress shooting case hung like the sword of Damocles over the organisation and the involvement of Antonio Pierce made for difficult times. The running game ground to a halt with Brandon Jacobs averaging a measly 3.4 yards a carry and Eli Manning’s foot problems and general inconsistency thwarted a pass attack that looks to feature three very good young receivers in Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks. On defense, they will be hoping that the injury to Kenny Phillips’s knee isn’t career ending as has been rumoured and if he can regain full fitness, then the pairing of he and FA signee Antrel Rolle should be a formidable one, however the signing of Deon Grant marks dark times for Phillips. But it’s in the front seven where the real issues lie. Pierce has subsequently been released and the Giants will be disappointed not to see Rolando McClain here. This is far too high for Brandon Spikes. However Dan Williams would offer the Giants the ability to go into next season with the improving Jonathan Goff at ILB, shoring up a front four that has been stunted by the FA departure of Fred Robbins and the underwhelming showing of their own high priced FA from a year ago, Rocky Bernard. Williams, who looks much more comfortable in a 4-3 would shore up that defensive interior on run downs, allowing Chris Canty to slide inside on 3rd and obvious passing downs to give more pressure, giving Perry Fewell’s defense real flexibility.
16). Brandon Graham – DE/OLB – Michigan
The Titans struggled greatly last season to get consistent pressure on quarterbacks from the front four. The knock on effect was that an injury hampered secondary was forced to cover receivers for longer and more often that not, they simply weren’t up to the task. Getting a starting calibre corner to play alongside Cortland Finnegan would be a boon here, but without a consistent pass rush, the thought of bringing in Joe Haden, who has deep speed issues would be a concern. Up front, there is no doubting that the Titans have some talent; Jason Jones and Kevin Vickerson can play and in Jovan Haye they have a veteran presence. They will be expecting more out of highly rated Sen’Derrick Marks who came out as a junior, but a pass rushing defensive end who can get consistent pressure on the opposing passer is exactly what the doctor ordered. And it works both ways; the interior incumbents are good enough to free up Graham and in turn he’s good enough to significantly improve their abilities. Especially that of Jones who has flashed big time star potential. For two years Graham has shown a consistent ability to get to the opposing quarterback as well as a desire to succeed that is second to none and sliding in here at his college position gives him an excellent opportunity to contribute straight away. The value for corners is in rounds 2 and 3 and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Jeff Fisher add some talent at that point, but here Graham may be too good to pass up.
17). Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers
As I mentioned at pick 13 the 49ers have a number of issues on the offensive line. Depending on how they feel about bookend LT Joe Staley, they could immediately insert Davis on the right side and give the 49ers a very strong set of tackles to protect Alex Smith and open holes for Gore. Whilst suffering through a rather disappointing draft season, Davis clearly possesses talent. However he’s seen his film come under intense scrutiny since his declaration and not all of it has received good marks. A potentially very strong pass protector he has some fundamental strength issues and an inability to consistently move his feet at the second level that concern me. Some reports said that he interviewed poorly in Indianapolis, he wasn’t particularly fluid in drills and then pulling out of the Rutgers pro day were all disappointments. But he does possesses good hands, solid technique and the ability in line, to display top level footwork. There have been a number of rumours linking the Niners to USC safety Taylor Mays, but given that they have a budding star in FS Dashon Golden, it would make Mays redundant, unless they considered playing him at SS. Regardless, the pick of Davis would really help solidify a 49ers team looking to move into the playoffs in 2010.
18). Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers
The Steelers could go in a number of directions here, including along both lines. But the secondary is a growing concern, as is Al Everest’s special teams unit which was one of the leagues worst a year ago. Enter Devin McCourty, one of the most consistent corners in the nation and easily the best special teams player in the draft. His will be an immediate impact because of how he works on the kick units and whilst he may not be the best value corner on the board at this time, his ability to come in and quickly be a captain on special teams will be vital. Don’t get me wrong, he carries a first round grade on most boards, but with Haden, Wilson and Kareem Jackson on the board, this is an interesting selection. He’s very physical, he can play man or zone and on special teams he blocked seven kicks at Rutgers, excelling as a gunner. He’s not afraid to come up in run support either and with Ike Taylor set to be 30 before training camp opens and with youngsters Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett unable to beat out the mediocre William Gay, adding the physical presence of McCourty could really revamp a secondary that struggled without Troy Polamalu.
19). Joe Haden – CB – Florida
The Falcons have a defensive conundrum that’s similar to the Titans. But whereas the Titans issues lay along the defensive line and the secondary, the Falcons problems are at linebacker the secondary. They are set in the middle with one of the best thumpers in the NFL in underrated Curtis Lofton but on the outside 33 year old Mike Peterson is wearing down and while Stephen Nicholas has flashed a little upside, Mike Smith’s defense could use a real stud. It figures that Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon who I tagged at this spot initially in my first mock would be an excellent bet, as would TCU’s Daryl Washington or Penn State’s Navorro Bowman. However the Falcons issues at corner remain, despite bringing in FA Dunta Robinson. Chris Owens flashed some ability and veteran Brian Williams re-signed to a one year deal, but getting Haden here would be a value selection for Thomas Dimitroff. Some people will be shocked to see Haden fall this far, but there are a number of issues surrounding his game not least his lack of speed which show up on film. He’s very athletic, has good hips, plants and drives very well and isn’t afraid to mix it up. He also had a tendency to allow men in behind him at Florida and he will need to be protected at times in the pros because he will be susceptible to giving up the deep ball. I’m certainly not downgrading him solely on his forty time as I expected it to be slow, more on that time being a part of the puzzle that I’m still not sure I’ve fully worked out. The Falcons have swung and missed recently on a couple of high round corners in Chris Houston and Chevis Jackson, but in a division where keeping up with the pass happy Saints is key, this pick makes sense.
20). Earl Thomas – FS – Texas
This is an interesting pick for a number of reasons. The first being that it will mark a major surprise if Earl Thomas makes it all the way down to pick twenty. Rated by a number of people as the best free safety in the draft, he possesses phenomenal range and instincts and his FBS leading 8 interceptions and pass break ups from 2009/10 highlight his remarkable range. Quick enough to kick out to nickel or boundary corner as he often did for the Longhorns, Thomas erased any size concerns at the Combine, measuring in at 5’11 and 208lbs. He may not play run quite as well as Eric Berry, but in a passing league he’s the sort of deep centerfielder that dominates in the style of Baltimore’s Ed Reed. Houston, after losing the aforementioned Dunta Robinson is in need of skill players on the back end. Pairing Thomas with Bernard Pollard who’s coming off a career year will give them a run dominating SS and a ball playing free safety, which is critical in a year where Houston face the aerial attacks of Indianapolis twice, Philadelphia, Dallas and San Diego. There’s enough quality corners and defensive tackles for the Texans to feel comfortable about taking either later on. However passing on Earl Thomas at 20 would be tough to swallow.
21). Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma
No change from the first mock, although as I said on the first go round, this is a spot where the Bengals could lean in a number of directions. They could use some help at safety and at defensive tackle and along the offensive line, which although it showed signs of coming together down the stretch, could probably use an extra pair of hands inside. But despite a trip to playoffs, it was Carson Palmer’s worst season since his rookie campaign and giving him more weapons is vital if Marvin Lewis’s squad are going to take the next step. The FA departure of TJ Houshmandzadeh hurt and the tragic death of Chris Henry meant that the Bengals already depleted receiving corps was really up against it. They’ve swapped one high priced free agent for another with Lav Coles out and Antonio Bryant in and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them draft local boy Mardy Gilyard to play the slot at some stage in the middle rounds of this process. However the ability to bring in a seam busting tight end like Gresham will not only give Palmer an immediate best friend, but also open things up out wide and allow a running game that flourished with Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott, to pressurise defenses further. Despite missing his senior campaign through injury and looking a little mechanical on his surgically repaired knee at the Combine, there’s no doubting Gresham’s ability as a top echelon pass catching tight end. Whilst his blocking needs some work, he will give the Bengals an instant downfield threat that will be hard to stop and hopefully go some way to revitalising Carson Palmer’s game.
22). Derrick Morgan – DE/OLB – Georgia Tech
I cheated here somewhat given the earlier caveat about a potential Patriots trade up. I genuinely don’t believe Morgan will last to this point but I do believe that New England would like very much to add him to their defensive arsenal regardless of my questions over his ability to play the 34 defense. With the current trend towards 3-4 schemes, teams are always on the lookout for those highly successful conversion ends and last years ACC Defensive Player of the Year could certainly be one of those, especially for a team like the Patriots who are crying out for outside rush threats. The remarkable rise of Tully Banta Cain from the weak side means that Morgan will try to give Bill Belichick a very impressive and forceful pair of bookends in that 3-4. Blessed with outstanding rush ability and skills against the run, Morgan looked somewhat choppy in reverse at the Combine. However, schematically Belichick will look to use him around the formation and he should be an early contributor. While the Pats could look to add some quality at wide receiver, at corner, tight end and at tailback, they have three picks in round two where they could address a number of pressing needs. Morgan here would be impossible to pass up.
23). Rodger Saffold – OT – Indiana
If, in the immediate aftermath of the offensive line drills at the Combine you said that Indiana’s Rodger Saffold would come off the board ahead of Maryland’s Bruce Campbell, there would have been a hearty laugh from amongst others Daniel Snyder and Mr Al Davis. But there’s now a very real possibility that that could happen. The Packers are crying out for help at the tackle position. Despite re-signing Chad Clifton, the continued emergence of Aaron Rodgers into one of the leagues elite signal callers was continually stymied a year ago by breakdowns on the offensive line. Age and injury started catching up with Clifton, while on the right side Allen Barbre was abused. The Packers would like to add some more edge rushers as they continue to re-tool the 34 defense and a young corner wouldn’t go amiss either. But protecting the franchise is a key and Saffold has made a steady rise up draft boards throughout the season. A starter at left tackle since his freshman campaign, he was dominant at the Shrine practices, then looked very impressive at both the Combine and his pro day. However it’s on tape where he stands out; he’s strong with his punch, athletic in his kickslide and to the second level and explosive in the run game and his footwork is excellent. He could easily slide in at RT while he learns the ropes from a wily vet like Clifton.
24). Sean Weatherspoon – OLB – Missouri
The Eagles need linebackers. And they need them fast. Good as he is, Stewart Bradley missed all of last year with a torn ACL and although his return will help a group that struggled all season long, it’s on the outside where they have real problems. Chris Gocong was traded to Cleveland for inexperienced small schooler Alex Hall who has 3 career sacks to his name. Gocong, who lost his job to Frostburg State rookie Moise Fokou won’t be missed. On the other side, Will Witherspoon who was acquired in a mid season trade with the Rams is now a Titan having left via free agency. RFA Akeem Jordan is serviceable but bringing in Weatherspoon offers this unit a real injection of talent. He’s one of the best cover linebackers in the draft, a four year starter at Missouri and a player who has been consistently strong in all aspects of his game since leaving high school. His Combine and pro day performances were the exclamation points on a superb career for Mizzou and he strikes me as a returning Pro Bowler for someone like the Eagles. If he’s on the board at this point then he’s nigh on impossible to pass up.
25). Tyson Alualu – DT – California
This pick stays the same for me; the Ravens front office is well run. The defence is a strong point and whilst they worked to establish one of the leagues strongest running games, the passing game led by Joe Flacco struggled some. But Ozzie Newsome was typically aggressive and opened free agency by adding Arizona standout Anquan Boldin in a trade and re-signing reliable veteran Derrick Mason. So where 6 weeks ago you could have filled in the name of a receiver with some confidence, now it’s time to look elsewhere. The mooted retirement of Ed Reed hasn’t materialised and although the Ravens could use some strength at cornerback, the losses of DE/DT Justin Bannan to Denver and Dwan Edwards to Buffalo leaves them short of bodies on the line. Trevor Pryce will be 35 at the start of the season and Kelly Gregg will be 34 by week 8 and the depth after this pair and Haloti Ngata is negligible. That makes the excellent Alaulu the perfect fit. Very strong at the point of attack, he had a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl, flashing the ability to play end in a 3-4 and to slide inside on passing downs to bring pressure. A very good run defender, he has outstanding lower body strength and the frame to add weight and potentially become Gregg’s replacement.
26). Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland
It’s been a difficult off-season for Cardinals fans. After losing to the Saints in the divisional playoffs, they’ve endured one disappointment after another; the retirement of Kurt Warner led to the release of starting FS Antrel Rolle, the FA departure of ILB Karlos Dansby and the trade of WR Anquan Boldin. Almost lost in the departures was the arrival of an upgrade at free safety in Kerry Rhodes, acquired in a trade from the Jets who seemed to lose his way a little in the past 12 months. In fact that secondary will become a real strength, especially if Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie overcomes his sophomore slump and Greg Toler continues to look like a very good player. With Matt Leinart taking over the helm at QB, Ken Whisenhunt will want to give his still relatively inexperienced signal caller some protection. Campbell blew up all over the Combine and while his athletic ability for a man of his size is remarkable, what shouldn’t be overlooked is his lack of experience – just 17 starts – and he needs some good coaching to really fulfil his potential. I would suspect that at least in the interim the Cards will continue with the plan to play Levi Brown on the left side and allow Campbell the chance to work his way in on the right.
27). Vladimir Ducasse – OT/G – UMASS
The Cowboys are in an interesting position. They have some holes – along the offensive line, at safety, wide receiver and inside linebacker – but they also have some pieces of the puzzle that other teams may come calling for to give them extra ammunition in the first three rounds. A year ago the Bengals offered a first round pick for tight end Martellus Bennett. I doubt he’d command that price in 2010, but you could certainly see a team like the Miami Dolphins ponying up a 3rd round pick for the player. Meanwhile 3rd string tailback Tashard Choice is more talented than a number of starters around the league and running back hungry teams such as New England and San Diego may well see better value in an established runner rather than a Jahvid Best or Ryan Mathews. But it’s on the offensive line that Dallas needs real help, especially after the release of veteran Flozell Adams. This may be a little high for Ducasse but the Cowboys have spent time with him and he’s a real physical specimen. He has great size, length and long arms and while he’s raw, he has all the intangibles, he just needs coaching refinement. You’d like to see him move his feet a little better on contact and become a more consistent knee bender. But the upside is high and with his ability in the run game he could be an early starter and a good friend to Barber, Choice and Jones. The Cowboys could look here at Demaryius Thomas or LSU’s Chad Jones, but with Doug Free flattering to deceive, they really have issues on that line.
28). Ryan Mathews – RB – Fresno State
This is the annual no-brainer pick. When the Chargers rolled through the second half of the season swamping all before them it was almost without exception due to the play of Philip Rivers and his receivers. There was some token role playing from Darren Sproles, whilst Ladanian Tomlinson looked a shadow of his former self and there were times where you simply wanted to take him to the sideline and tell him it was over. His release, when it came, was no surprise, especially in a strong year for running backs. Mathews may not get the fanfare of a Spiller or a Jahvid Best, but at 5’11 and 220lbs, he has the ability to wear a defense down with power or run past it with speed. He’s also an excellent pass protector and has good hands out of the backfield. The one dimensional look of the Chargers may cease with this selection.
29). Jerry Hughes – OLB – TCU
It seems a cliché but Rex Ryan loves collecting corners and pass rushers. The Jets defense was a thing of true beauty last season. There were times, especially down the stretch where it seemed as though there were 13 or 14 defenders on the field at one time and the umpires had simply failed a head check. With Revis locking down one side, Ryan traded for unpredictable but occasionally spectacular Charger corner Antonio Cromartie, who, if he can straighten up his life off the field and return to his rookie form on it, will be a hell of a pick up for an already strong unit. He then dealt Kerry Rhodes and replaced him with Brodney Pool. Despite the strong play of Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace, the Jets outside pass rush at times seemed a little mediocre. Hughes followed up a stellar 2008/9 with a similarly strong 2009/10 and his ability to get after the passer makes him an excellent pick here. He looks comfortable in space and has real explosion off the snap to get into the backfield. With time running out for first round flop Vernon Gholston, Hughes could provide Rex Ryan with some real talent in that front seven rotation.
30). Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame
The Vikings came an ill advised Brett Favre throw away from the Superbowl. Rolling out of the pocket to put his team in field goal range, he missed a wide open Chester Taylor on the sideline, choosing instead to throw back against the grain, only to see it picked off. In that game, the Saints flashed the depth of their secondary and Drew Brees shredded the Vikings secondary to push New Orleans into game winning field goal range. That will not have gone unnoticed by GM Rick Spielman, especially given the precarious nature of the Vikings CB spot. Antoine Winfield missed much of the season with injury, whilst Cedric Griffin blew out his knee in that conference title game. Rookie Asher Allen flashed ability but needs developmental time, making CB a very valid concern. With both Boise State’s Kyle Wilson and Alabama’s Kareem Jackson on the board, it would be tough to pass on either. But if Clausen tumbles all the way to here, then he would make terrific sense at this point. Favre may not play another snap or he may play one more season. Regardless, the opportunity to allow Clausen to sit behind the future Hall of Famer and then play in an offense as balanced as the Vikings is, would be perfect for him. Frozen Minnesota would also keep him out of the major market media spotlight and allow him to really knuckle down. There may be a greater need for a corner, but there isn’t greater value.
31). Jason Pierre Paul – DE – South Florida
The AFC champions could look to go in a number of ways here. Despite re-signing C Jeff Saturday, there lurks the very good junior Maurkice Pouncey of Florida who would represent terrific value at this point. There are no glaring needs at the skill positions and a returning Anthony Gonzalez will be like an extra first day pick anyway. However, on defense is where some cracks began to show, especially in the Superbowl. Gary Brackett remains the beating heart of that unit, but the injury to Dwight Freeney proved that Robert Mathis isn’t as good as the sum of his running mate. On the defensive interior, adding a Brian Price or a Lamarr Houston would make a great deal of sense also. Bill Polian is a master of his craft and he’s done a very fine job of adding good corners in later rounds; he did it again last year with FA Jacob Lacey who looks a decent addition, while 2009 3rd rounder Jerraud Powers looks a really good player. Like the Vikings before them the Colts could certainly do with an injection of talent here, but for Pierre Paul to fall this far would simply be too good to resist, especially as there would be no immediate expectation for him to start. Some teams have him rated in the top ten, others much lower. His inexperience and some off field habits have some teams worried, but the Colts are a veteran team and Pierre Paul would likely slip in unnoticed, spelling Freeney and Mathis and bringing that extraordinary athletic ability to the table.
32). Everson Griffen – DE – USC
The Saints victory, willed on be almost every non Indianapolis Colts fan in America was a remarkable sporting accomplishment by owner Tom Benson, head coach Sean Peyton and his coaches and playing staff. But immediately after the parties and the celebrations stopped it was back out on the road to re-tool. They were dealt an early free agency loss with the departure to Cleveland of valuable OLB Scott Fujita. But it’s conversion linebacker where the strength of this draft is rather than pure 43 ‘backers, although a wildcard for this pick would be Penn State’s Sean Lee. The Saints, as is typical of a Superbowl champion are relatively hole free. A long term replacement for Darren Sharper, if he doesn’t return would certainly be a need, and I would expect them to take a couple of linebackers such as Iowa’s AJ Edds and Ohio State’s Thaddeus Gibson. However, Griffen is the sort of athletic freak that the Saints could use up front to create extra pressure off the edge. Gregg Williams helped make another athletic freak in Jevon Kearse into one of the best defensive ends of the past 15 years and without the pressure to be an immediate success, Griffen, who can quite frankly be as good as he wants to be, should see plenty of snaps in that front four rotation.