Boomer’s Mock Draft (v1.0) – 16/3/2010

By Simon Clancy

1). Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma.

Billy Devaney faces a tough decision. The Rams 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 has been 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. The free agency coffers are bare in terms of quarterbacks and you have to weigh up value; is there a franchise QB at pick 33? No. But there might well be a Brian Price or a LaMarr Houston. Or if they wanted to upgrade that mediocre linebacking corps, then perhaps a Sean Weatherspoon or Daryl Washington might fall. To leave the first two rounds with a franchise passer and a value defensive pick like a Price or a Weatherspoon has to be better than taking Suh and then Pike, no matter how good Suh is. Bradford was the big winner from the group of QB’s in Indianapolis and all he did was stand on the scales and interview. But at 236lbs and with the shoulder getting a clean bill of health, he has the underrated arm, the 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.

2). Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska.

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, Ndamukong 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 3^rd 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.

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.

4). Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma State.

Mike Shanahan’s 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. Given Shanahan’s ability with QB’s, it would seem inappropriate to get rid of the much maligned Jason Campbell without giving him the opportunity to show some mettle. What should immediately improve the former Auburn star’s ability to lead the Skins would be a premier left tackle. Okung is as premier as it gets at the position in this draft and whilst perhaps not as accomplished as Clady, Okung 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 their passer, but also a new firebrand for their offense; Okung delivers on both fronts. Of course, should Sam Bradford make it to this position, then it would offer up a very interesting scenario for the new head coach and especially his owner who likes to make statements of intent during free agency and indeed the draft and the fourth overall pick being used on a left tackle isn’t perhaps the sort of calling card that Mr Snyder likes to leave his NFC counterparts. However, this is unquestionably one of the worst teams in football, talent wise and getting a cornerstone tackle that helps keep your passer on his feet might just be a wiser move than ignoring the offense line and killing the new QB. With that in mind, Okung makes an awful lot of sense right here.

5). Eric Berry – FS – Tennessee

I can say this with little fear of contradiction but the Combine workout of Eric Berry’s was one of the finest I’ve ever seen by any player regardless of position. What makes this statement so utterly pointless is that Berry’s three year career at Tennessee was so good that the game tape makes the workout look average. Unquestionably Eric Berry has been the standout defensive back in college football ever since he stepped foot inside Neyland Stadium as a true freshman. The Chiefs, despite the arrival a year ago of Todd Haley and Scott 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. Romeo Crennell inherits a defense that’s struggling for an identity. It has 4-3 pieces – Glenn Dorsey, Demorrio Williams, Derrick Johnson – that are struggling to find their feet in the 34 defense. The light came on for Dorsey in 2009 and Johnson has played well without ever dominating. Meanwhile, both Tamba Hali and the unimpressive 1^st rounder from a year ago Tyson Jackson have youth and upside and Brandon Flowers is one of the bester young corners in the AFC. But the Chiefs lack a real defensive tone setter. Eric Berry is just that. He excels in all aspects of safety play and his business like approach to the Combine and what it represented highlighted just how seriously he takes the game. With the ‘Raider Killer’ Jarrad Page on the way back from injury and the uninspiring Jon McGraw holding down the FS spot, it would seem the perfect place to not only slide Berry in, but also shift the 225lb Page to the strong side where he played in college. Somewhat limited athletically, he possesses good instincts and a hitters mentality and alongside Berry they could very quickly turn the Chiefs secondary into a real strength.

6). C. J.  Spiller – RB – Clemson

This pick may yet belong to the Denver Broncos 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’s team is that they lack quality on offense and they lack speed on offense. They also lack a presence on special teams who can change field position and Clemson’s Spiller is just that person. Carroll has had plenty of success with backs perceived as undersized whilst at USC, most notably with Reggie Bush, but also more recently with Joe McKnight and lest we not forget, he tried hard to recruit Spiller out of Lake Butler. Most teams like to mix the heavier back with someone speedier and with more explosion, a sort of thunder and lightning if you will, but with 195lb Justin Forsett on the roster as well, a lighting and lighting policy may well be the way forward. Defensively Carroll has a lot going for him, but apart from Max Unger, TJ Houshmandzadeh and TE John Carlson, almost every offensive position is up for grabs. Former Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is the sexy pick here, especially given how hard Carroll fought, albeit unsuccessfully, with Charlie Weis for his signature upon leaving high school, however I feel that Clausen will be available when Seattle go back on the clock with the 14^th pick. I’m not so sure Spiller will be. Possessing tremendous open field speed as well as the ability to catch anything thrown his way, he immediately upgrades a unit crying out for a little more lightning.

7). Derrick Morgan – DE/OLB – Georgia Tech

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 eleven overall picks including two in the third round. The offense remains an enigma wrapped inside a conundrum, with most of the pressure falling on Brady Quinn. Understandable given his ability and profile, but those calling for his head need only look at the talent level around him and the simple fact that he’s started a mere 12 games, flip flopping with Derek Anderson. At tailback, diminutive Jerome Harrison, when given a chance to play late on in the season, only went on to break Jim Brown’s single game rushing record with a monster 286 yard day in KC and then followed that up by adding almost 300 more yards in the next two outings. The Browns could certainly do with a number one receiver, although it will be interesting to see how useful looking rookie Mohammed Massaquai trains on. If he’s to be truly successful then he’ll need more than just 11 catches from 2009 2^nd rounder Brian Robiskie. The hot name here is Joe Haden of Florida, but a slow forty time 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. Morgan has versatility and is extremely polished. He could start tomorrow at end in a 43 and there are many that believe he has the movement skills to play at OLB in a 34. 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 mock, ‘perhaps the most unpredictable thing for Davis to do is make the safe pick’. Bulaga is a 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 2^nd 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 early in round two 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 highly rated 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.

10). 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. This is everything that Daryl Washington’s game is about. A coach who schemed against him last year said 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 corp 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. This kid could be special.

11). Rolando McClain – ILB – Alabama

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 27^th in the NFL, so a corner such as 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 3^rd 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 2^nd 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.

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 Brown (when healthy) and Williams, they have a running game that is the envy of the league. And whilst there are talented 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.

13). Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma

The 49ers offensive line has been just that: offensive. Williams, who strongly considered coming out a s a junior, only to return and garner All American honours offers Mike Singletary’s team 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 at RT, Williams is a more consistent and perhaps safer bet than Rutgers’s Anthony Davis. Depending on how they feel about bookend LT Joe Staley, they could immediately insert Williams on the right side and give the 49ers a very strong set of tackles to protect Alex Smith and open holes for Frank Gore.

14). Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame

As I mentioned at pick 6, I believe that Jimmy Clausen will be available at this pick should Seattle choose to go in another direction with their first selection. I’m not sure I could say the same about CJ Spiller who I have at 6. With Matt Hasselbeck coming to the end of his career and Seneca Wallace traded to be reunited with his former head coach Mike Holmgren, the path is clear for Clausen to come in and push to start from week 1. He’s an individual that gets something of a bad rap for what comes across as arrogance but is probably just supreme confidence. After all, this is a kid who has been tutored for the NFL from a very early age by quarterbacks coach Steve Clarkson and who Sports Illustrated magazine referred to as ‘The Kid With The Golden Arm’ in a 2005 edition. Playing in a pro style offense at Notre Dame, he survived the goldfish bowl of attention that being QB1 for the Fighting Irish brings with it, displaying a year on year ability to improve his game, showing a strong arm and an ability to drive the ball outside the hashes to the wide side of the field. He gets the ball out in a hurry and should bring some much needed ability to the former NFC champion Seahawks.

15). Dan Williams – DT – Tennessee

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. 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. They may see it as too high for Brandon Spikes. Daryl Washington – if undrafted at this point – could come into play here also. 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 very comfortable in a 4-3, would shore up that defensive interior on run downs, allowing Chris Canty to slide inside on 3^rd and obvious passing downs to give more pressure, allowing Perry Fewell’s defense real flexibility.

16). Jason Pierre Paul – DE – South Florida

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 DL incumbents are good enough to free up Pierre Paul and he’s good enough to significantly improve their abilities. Especially that of Jason Jones who has flashed big time star potential at times. The knock on Pierre Paul is his inexperience and there are some off field question marks, but Jeff Fisher is a players coach and he will see a lot of Jevon Kearse in the South Florida grad who possesses outstanding get off, a vast array of rush moves considering his inexperience and high upside. He carries a much higher rating on the boards of some teams so it will be interesting to see where he ends up. 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.

17). Taylor Mays – S – USC

First rule of Draft Club is to totally ignore anything you hear about specific teams liking specific players at this time of the year. But in this case, there must just be some legs in it. The 49ers are said, from multiple sources, to be wholly enamoured with USC safety Taylor Mays. No-one’s stock fluctuates as much as Mays, a player I personally wouldn’t touch until the late 2^nd round because of a number of fundamental flaws in his game that consistently show up on tape. However, there is a school of thought that with some correct coaching in the fundamentals of how to tackle, to use his arms and not lead with the crown of his head, that he could be a good player. I certainly think his inability to diagnose and his lack of instincts, especially when the ball’s in the air, are going to significantly hurt his career. But if you look at the 49ers secondary, head coach Mike Singletary has preferred the sort of physical presence that Mays is. Step forward SS Michael Lewis. However, Lewis is beginning to slow down and in FS Dashon Goldson, the Niners have a budding star. He’s also scheme diverse; much like Mays you could play him at either safety spot. Whilst Earl Thomas is by far the better player with much greater upside, Mays could bring the 49ers the sort of athletic, in the box strong safety play that will really help shut down opposing run games.

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). Sean Weatherspoon – OLB – Missouri.

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. Weatherspoon is 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 Falcons. He’s one of the first players the organisation is having through the doors for a private workout and if he’s on the board at this point then he’s nigh on impossible to pass up.

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 many 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 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 later on. However passing on Earl Thomas at 20 would be tough to swallow. .

21). Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma

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. 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). Brandon Graham – OLB – Michigan

With the plethora of the 34 defense, teams are always on the lookout for those highly successful conversion ends. Brandon Graham 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 Graham, who looks to have the ability going forwards but also to break down well in space and play in reverse, will give Bill Belichick a very impressive and forceful pair of bookends in that 3-4. Blessed with an electric first step, he’s a 110% hustle player who looked very comfortable in linebacker drills at the Combine having played that position throughout high school. 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. Graham falling to pick 22 would represent the sort of value that’s hard to pass up.

23). Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers

Three months ago if you said that Devin McCourty would be the first Scarlet Knight drafted then you’d get laughed out of the room. But there’s now a very real possibility that that could happen. Davis, a junior, has seen his film come under intense scrutiny since his declaration and not all of it has received good marks. Clearly a very talented pass protector, he has some fundamental strength issues and an inability to consistently move his feet at the second level. Some reports said that he interviewed poorly in Indianapolis and he wasn’t particularly fluid in drills either. However, he possesses good hands, solid technique and the ability, in line, to display top level footwork. 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 premier signal callers in the NFL 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 Davis, if motivated, has the ability to step in and play at a good level from the beginning.

24). Navorro Bowman LB – Penn State

The Eagles need linebackers. And they need them fast. As I type they have just three of them under contract and one of whom, good as he is, missed all of last year with a torn ACL. Stewart Bradley’s return will help a linebacking corps that struggled all season long, but outside they have real problems. Chris Gocong missed much of the year with injury and then lost his job to Frostburg State rookie Moise Fokou whilst 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 Bowman offers this unit a real injection of talent. He’s flying under the radar a little and he’s had some off field issues to contend with but Andy Reid runs a strong locker room and his physicality, his speed and his instincts would make him a real fit in the rugged NFC East.

25). Tyson Alualu – DE – California

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 10 days 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 loss of DE/DT Justin Bannan to Denver and the likely loss of Dwan Edwards 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. Even if Edwards does re-sign, there are still holes to be filled and the excellent Alaulu makes for 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). Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho

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 3^rd round pick for the player. Meanwhile 3^rd 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 Matthews. But it’s on the offensive line that Dallas needs real help. With all the major tackles gone, it may be a reach for UMASS’s Vladimir Ducasse or Indiana’s Rodger Saffold, although the latter might be a decent outside bet given how Flozell Adams and Mark Columbo struggled. But inside Dallas failed to get consistent push and although Davis and Gurode went to the Pro Bowl, neither had a great year. LG Kyle Kosier is in the final 12 months of his contract and at 32 he’s unlikely to see a long term deal. The Cowboys remain high on last years 3^rd rounder Robert Brewster and Doug Free who gained valuable experience a year ago when Columbo was hurt but I don’t believe Jerry Jones will be able to pass on the man mountain Iupati who is a natural at LG but who spoke to the Cowboys about possibly kicking outside to tackle to make use of his footwork and long arms. Personally I think he’s best suited to guard but getting him here would represent tremendous value and he could be tried at a variety of spots during camp and would likely push Kosier to a back up role.

28). Ryan Matthews – TB – 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. Matthews may not get the fanfare of a Spiller of 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. 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 and Jamaal Westerman could provide Rex Ryan with some real talent in that front seven rotation.

30). Joe Haden – CB – Florida

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. 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.

31). Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama

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 and 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. 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 3^rd rounder Jerraud Powers looks a really good player. Incumbent Kelvin Hayden struggled at times, so adding a player with the skill set of Jackson makes real sense. He struggled a little in the mid portion of 2009 but he has excellent ball skills, good instinct and a nose for the ball. I could see Indianapolis adding plenty of interior defensive talent in the later rounds as well as looking for players that can spell Mathis and Freeney.

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.