2010 NFL Mock Draft: Final Copy

Tomorrow, like the Black Eyed Peas would say, is going to be a good night. The 2010 NFL Draft will kick off in a little over 24 hours from now for the first time in primetime. All the rumors and speculation and smokescreens come down to this. I've finally come up with a mock draft I am somewhat content with(Look, if I nail 5 of these on the dot, I consider it a moral victory. So don't kill me if this thing goes down in flames by the first hour). Anyway, it's coming a day early because I won't have the time to squeeze it in tomorrow night and I know that leaves me susceptible to last-minute trades(especially that of a well-known, recently-suspended two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback) but, you know what? Screw it!

1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma - I've had debates for months with people over whether the right thing for the Rams to do is to take the token QB to be the face of the franchise over perhaps the best player in this draft in Nebraska DT Ndomakong Suh. I keep getting the same response. "This is a quarterback league." "Defensive tackles taken this high don't have much success." Blah, blah, blah. How many successful QBs have been taken with the #1 pick this millenium? Is Mike Vick a success? How about Alex Smith and David Carr? For every Eli Manning and Carson Palmer, there are a ton of Jamarcus Russells. Eschewing a top talent like Suh because "you have to have a quarterback" seems like silly reasoning to me. On top of that, I don't Sam Bradford's a great QB. He's coming out of a spread offense with two shoulder surgeries to his name and you're going to put him out there behind the same offense line that threw Marc Bulger a beating. Like I said, we can do this forever. The fact is, Bradford is headed to Nellyville, barring something unforseen and three years from now, we'll either be calling me an idiot for dissing this pick or the Rams foolish for grabbing their franchise QB three years too late.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndomakong Suh, DT, Nebraska - Unless they swing a deal for Albert Haynesworth at the 11th hour, Suh is headed to Motown. You can try to talk me into Trent Williams or Russell Okung, both fill needs at left tackle but there is no reason to not draft Ndomakong Suh. Absolutely, positively, NO REASON!

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma - Perhaps the biggest slam dunk in the draft(Yes, even bigger than Bradford going #1). McCoy fills a huge need inside for the Bucs and he's one of the three best players in this draft. It may be the best value pick in this entire draft.

4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma - It could still be Oklahoma State's Russell Okung, regarded by many as the top offensive tackle in this draft. However, word on the street is Shanahan sees Ryan Clady in Williams and there's no denying that either Okung or Williams would fill a need at left tackle. Don't rule out a trade back. The Browns are staring lustily at Eric Berry and there's fear that he's going with the next pick to Kansas City. The Redskins are also believed to have interest in taking a QB, so a move down for Jimmy Clausen or a move up for Bradford could happen. (Previous pick: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St.)

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State - I believe all of the speculation of the Chiefs taking Eric Berry, the playmaking safety from Tennessee, is just a smoke screen. Chiefs GM Scott Pioli isn't one for taking a safety that high and the Chiefs clearly have a need at left tackle. Russell Okung went from a guy who could potentially go #2 to someone falling down draft boards. Why? I don't know. The Chiefs would be ecstatic if Okung falls here, because Matt Cassell won't be their franchise QB for long if he continues to eat dirt. (Previous pick: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa)

6. Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson - Surprised? Don't be. Other than the Chargers, no team needs a potential game-changing running back more than the Seahawks and Spiller is the only back in this draft that fits that mold(maybe Cal's Jahvid Best, too, but that's iffy). Taking Spiller 6th is a bit early but Spiller's stock has risen to the point that he may not be there when the Seahawks go on the clock again at 14. The Jags like him at 10. The Raiders have been rumored to like him at 8. San Francisco would certianly love to keep him away from their division rival at 13. Even Miami at 12 is an option. Yes, the Seahawks need an heir apparent to Walter Jones at left tackle, but the chances of finding a quality tackle at 14(especially given the group available) is much greater than the chance of Spiller being there. Could the Seahawks take a tackle here and move up and take Spiller? Sure. Either way, I say Spiller's a Seahawk by Friday morning. (Previous pick: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma)

7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee - Berry was regarded by some as the best player in this draft(and I think he's a very close 2nd to Suh). He's been compared to All-Pro safety Ed Reed and he can play corner or either safety spot. Lucky for Cleveland, they need someone with that type of resume. With Jimmy Clausen still available, there will be talk about the Browns making a move for Clausen, but they are paying Jake Delhomme a lot of money and they have Seneca Wallace behind him. They need a playmaker on defense and Berry is exactly that.

8. Oakland Raiders: Mike Iupati, G/T, Idaho - Alot of names have been thrown around for this spot, mainly because nobody knows what the hell is going on in Al Davis' hollow head. I've heard Clausen. I've heard Spiller. I've heard Derrick Morgan. Anyone who could possibly go in the latter part of the Top 10 has been rumored to be a Raider. Ultimately, I think this comes down to Maryland OT Bruce Campbell(who has been mocked here by many people for months) or Iupati. Now, I know what you're thinking, "But Dave, Iupati's a guard, that's too high for him!". You're exactly right. Iupati makes the most sense here because he makes the least sense to logical human beings(Does that make sense?). Let me ask you: Did Darius Heyward-Bey make sense to you last year? Did JaMarcus Russell over Calvin Johnson make sense? How about Robert Gallery over Larry Fitzgerald and Phillip Rivers? Or the first round selection of kicker Sebastian Janikowski? The point of mock drafts is to predict what you think WILL happen, not what SHOULD happen. If you want me to make a logical prognostication for Al Davis then, I'm sorry, it cannot be done. I just know that Iupati has been getting a lot of Raiders buzz recently and he's exactly the type of oddball pick Davis would make. If you want my honest opinion, I think the Steelers are picking here anyway(and if you think about it enough, you'll know why). (Previous pick: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland)

9. Buffalo Bills: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa - The Bills are Jimmy Clausen's last hope of avoiding a Brady Quinn-esque drop. Unfortunately, the Bills seem to be more enamored with Tim Tebow. Also, it would make very little sense to put someone like Clausen behind THIS offensive line. Hence, the selection of Bulaga here. Bulaga has been mocked anywhere from 5 to 14. Nobody seems to have a good read on him. Some say his short arms make him a better fit as a right tackle than a left tackle, but given the Bills' offensive line woes, can you really afford to bicker? Clausen can still be the pick here, but I think that's unlikely. Another guy who might go here is Tennessee's Dan Williams(whom I had here a month ago). With the Bills moving to the 3-4, they are in desperate need of a true nose tackle and Williams is one of a choice few who can man that spot. (Previous pick: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee)

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech - If Spiller is off the board, as I have it here, I expect the Jaguars to move out of this spot. Hell, they might move out of this spot if Spiller IS there. The Jags don't want to pay Top 10 money again after moving up for Derrick Harvey two years ago and using a Top 10 pick on Eugene Monroe last year. Also, they've had a hard-on for Tim Tebow pretty much since October. If that means trading down a few times to take Tebow in the late first and sell some tickets, so be it. If, for some odd reason, Jacksonville stays, I like Morgan the most of the guys available. The Jags need a pass rusher with Kampman coming off ACL surgery and Harvey being, well, Derrick Harvey. However, like I said, a team that's bleeding money like the Jags will do whatever it takes to not pay Top 10 money for a third straight year.

11. Denver Broncos: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - There have been two sides when it comes to the Bryant-to-Denver concept: Those that believe the Broncos need a WR like Bryant to replace Brandon Marshall and those that think that the Broncos won't take a "headcase" like Bryant BECAUSE of Brandon Marshall. Personally, I think the stigma of Bryant's "baggage" is overblown. The kid was suspended 10 games for hanging out at Deion Sanders' house and lying about to get out of trouble. You've never lied to get out of trouble before? He's an immature kid who needs a kick in the ass, but you know what, so do alot of guys in the NFL. If the Broncos don't take Bryant here, who's catching passes for them next year? Eddie Royal? Jabar Gaffney? Bryant fills a huge need and I think Josh McDaniels will have more control over Bryant than he did over Marshall. Rolando McClain, the middle linebacker from Alabama, Dan Williams and Texas safety Earl Thomas could go here, too, because Lord knows the Broncos need some D but I like Bryant over them. (Previous pick: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama)

12. Miami Dolphins: Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas - A number of options here for the 'Phins. Earl Thomas fills a need at safety. Dan Williams makes a ton of sense at nose tackle with Jason Ferguson suspended for part of the season. A trade down(probably with Philly) is the most likely scenario. However, the Dolphins lost Jason Taylor and Joey Porter on the outside. Who's rushing the passer for these guys now? You know Parcells loves taking linebackers and Kindle's stock has been on the rise. Some think he's a bit overrated and defensive ends who switch to linebacker are always a crap shoot but I think whether Miami stays or moves down, Kindle or someone of his ilk is the choice. (Previous pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB, USF)

13. San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden, CB, Florida - Here's where the Jimmy Clausen chatter picks up. Alex Smith is in the final year of his deal and he's hardly a world-beater. David Carr is nothing more than a backup and there's nobody behind those two. Ultimately, I don't think the Niners can pass on Haden here given the holes in the secondary. When you're having to bench overpaid CB Nate Clements, you need help out there. Clausen isn't really a threat to go between 13 and 17(unless someone moves up) and even if he's gone, QB is not as big a need as CB for the Niners.

14. Seattle Seahawks: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland - I can see Charles Brown, whom Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is familiar with from USC, being the pick here. One way or the other, the Seahawks need a left tackle. It may come at 6. It may come here, but it's going to come on Thursday night. Once the top tackles left, the second tier(Bulaga, Campbell, Iupati, Anthony Davis) all fall into the group of guys who will go around this time. That's why I had the Seahawks take Spiller early. You can gamble on one of these tackles being here. Spiller? Not so much. There's talk that the Seahawks would jump on Clausen here if available but after making the trade for Charlie Whitehurst(and costing themselves Donovan McNabb), that doesn't seem to make much sense. (Previous pick: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson)

15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama - If McClain makes it here, Radio City Music Hall will erupt either for McClain or if it's someone OTHER than McClain. Giants fans envision McClain as the middle linebacker they've been salivating over for years. I'm a bit skepitical of McClain with the Giants. He's a better fit in a 3-4(something McClain has admitted routinely) and Mizzou's Sean Weatherspoon may be a better fit for Perry Fewell's new scheme. So brace yourselves, Giants fans. Rolando McClain could be available when you go on the clock and could still be availble when your pick is in. (Previous pick: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri)

16. Tennessee Titans: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF - The Titans are both one of the two teams in the Albert Haynesworth Sweepstakes(Detroit being the other) as well as in a prime position to nab one of the top DEs in this draft, making them the biggest team to watch over the next 72 hours. Jason Pierre-Paul went from being a high-riser because of his upside and potential to being dropped back down because of the "Vernon Gholston one year wonder" factor. JPP lit up the Combine, which got the attention of some scouts in a good and bad way. With no real tape on Pierre-Paul, many are left to speculate on what he can do with his tremendous athletic ability. The Titans have always been a team that drafts great athletes more so than great football players(Vince Young, Kenny Britt, Jevon Kearse) and Pierre-Paul would be no exception. If JPP falls to Tennessee and Haynesworth makes a Titans return, the Titans' gamble will either make them the scariest team this season or the most disappointing. (Previous pick: Everson Griffen, DE, USC)

17. San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame - I flip-flopped over this pick for days. I'll admit I'm not very high on Clausen. For all the "pro-ready" hype that's thrown around about him, people seem to forget he came from the same system that harbored Brady Quinn(though I wouldn't call Quinn a bust just yet). He's also someone who lacks leadership skills AND he's the brother of Casey Clausen. How far does the apple fall from the tree? Still, he may be too good of a talent for the Niners to pass up and eventhough Rutgers' OT Anthony Davis would make more sense, Clausen could be a steal if he ends up proving the critics wrong. (Previous pick: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers)

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers - Interesting subplot to watch: If Clausen is still on the board and Big Ben is either dealt or close to being dealt. Personally, I don't think the Steelers can pull a trade of that magnitude in such short time, but you never know. The way I have this shaking out now, Clausen is gone and Davis(once considered one of the 5 best players in this draft before bombing out at the Combine and Rutgers' Pro Day) is not. The Steelers have needed offensive line help for a long time and whether this Big Ben trade talk is just a scare tactic or not, they'll need someone to protect either statuesque Byron Leftwich or Roethlisberger. The knock on Davis is his fluctuating weight and his tendency to be lazy. When he's right though, he's as good as any tackle in this draft and I think Mike Tomlin will be hard-nosed enough to get the lead out of Davis' feet. (Previous pick: Mike Iupati, G, Idaho)

19. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan - A toss-up between Graham and Sean Weatherspoon but defense starts on the line. The Falcons will get last year's 1st rounder Peria Jerry back after missing all of last season with a preseason knee injury and they need someone to replace Jamaal Anderson(who has been a bust). Graham was a terror for a horrible Wolverines team and some liken him to Dwight Freeney. Texas' Earl Thomas, if still available, could be the pick here, too, as could Weatherspoon.

20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas, S, Texas - Many mocks have Fresno St. power back Ryan Matthews here, as did I last month, but look at the Texans' history when it comes to running backs. They passed on Beanie Wells last year. They famously passed on Reggie Bush. Every year, we keep thinking "This is the year the Texans address the running game" and every year, we look like idiots. Could Ryan Matthews be the pick here? Sure, it would make sense. He's a nice complement to Steve Slaton, but I'm not falling for it. I'll believe the Texans are taking a RB in the first round when I see it. As for Thomas, he's been rising up draft boards thanks to a solid Pro Day. The Eagles and Cowboys are interested and could move up and take him somewhere in the Top 15. If he's here for the Texans, he'll help out a secondary that has yet to figure out a way to stop Peyton Manning and the Colts. (Previous pick: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State)

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma - The Bengals could go a number of ways here. Taylor Mays, the freakish safety from USC, would follow the Bengals trend of drafting Trojans. UCLA DT Brian Price would be right in the middle of that defensive line. Sean Weatherspoon could get some love. Ultimately, the team has needed a game-breaking tight end for awhile. Gresham missed all of last season with a knee injury and that's why he's down here instead of the top 10 pick many thought he would be last year, but he's dynamic when he's healthy. He moves like a wideout and he doesn't kill you when staying inside to block(though he isn't exactly Daniel Graham, either). The Bengals can use some more punch to their stagnant passing game and Gresham would be a nice fit. (Previous pick: Taylor Mays, S, USC)

22. New England Patriots: Jerry Hughes, DE/LB, TCU - Same rules apply here for New England as they did for Houston. Obviously, a RB is a big need after Laurence Maroney has fell off the face of the Earth and Ryan Matthews is still available here, but it's not going to happen. Bill Belichick believes in solidifying the front seven first and they are in desperate need for a pass rusher(especially when you look at that schedule. Yikes!). Hughes gets the call here but it could be any of the 'tweeners that drop here, be it Brandon Graham or Sergio Kindle. Regardless, it won't be Ryan Matthews. (Previous pick: Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas)

23. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown, OT, USC - Packers are rumored to be wanting to move up, but for what, I don't know. Maybe one of the better tackles like Anthony Davis or Trent Williams? Maybe a corner like Kyle Wilson or Joe Haden? Time will tell. One thing's for sure, they need to help out Aaron Rodgers by bringing in some talent on the offensive line. Rodgers took a thorough ass-whooping last season and with Ndomakong Suh and Julius Peppers coming into the division and Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton getting old, they have to pounce on a offensive tackle NOW. Kyle Wilson, regarded by some as the best corner in the draft, could be entertained here, if available as well.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Taylor Mays, S, USC - Eagles have virtually no shot of staying at 24 by this time tomorrow night. They have the ammo to move up and they want one of those two safeties(either Eric Berry or Earl Thomas). At 24, though, they'd have a shot at a safety like Taylor Mays. Mays has been picked apart because of his lack of coverage skills(among many things) but you can't teach 4.3 speed at 6'3, 230lbs. Mays has shown the ability to lay guys out(another knock on him, as people would prefer he try to wrap people up more instead of headhunting). Mays has been projected to go in the 2nd round but whether its there or late in the first, I think he'd be a steal for a team needing help in the defensive backfield. (Previous pick: Earl Thomas, S, Texas)

25. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St. - Some still think the Ravens will go wide receiver(be it Dez Bryant, if he's still here, Golden Tate or Demaryius Thomas) but the Ravens spent their offseason bringing in Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth so they could use this pick to address other needs. Namely, their horrid secondary. Gone are the days of Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister and with Ed Reed getting hurt more often than not, the team needs some youth back there. Wilson is on the rise and he could actually be the first corner taken. That could leave the Ravens looking at Joe Haden or Devin McCourtey of Rutgers. (Previous pick: Devin McCourtey, CB, Rutgers)

26. Arizona Cardinals: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee - A hell of a drop for Williams from the previous mock(Williams was slated to go 9th to Buffalo a month ago), but the reason for the drop is simple: Williams is better suited as a 3-4 nose tackle and there are very few teams in first 20-25 picks that either a. don't already have a nose tackle or b. don't have bigger needs elsewhere. Williams' best hope of going early are Buffalo at 9(who need a QB and OT), Denver at 11(who suddenly need a WR), Miami at 12(a possibility, if they don't go LB) and SF at either 13 or 17. Other than that, he's going to drop. That would be great news for Arizona, who gave up nearly 100 points in their final two games. Any defender will benefit the Cardinals and with their division rivals loading up on offense, they can't afford to be picky. (Previous pick: Jerry Hughes, LB, TCU)

27. Dallas Cowboys: Maurkice Pouncey, G/C, Florida - Pouncey has projected as high as Denver at 11, mainly because of his ability to play guard, center and maybe even tackle. He's probably a good bet to go somewhere in the Top 15. Truth be told, the Cowboys would rather use this pick on a safety like hometown boy Earl Thomas. However, with Flozell Adams gone, the team can use some help on the offensive line. Sure, Pouncey probably can't fill in at left tackle, but he certianly would be an upgrade at guard(especially if Leonard Davis moves over to tackle). Ultimately, I think the Cowboys move up for a safety. If not, I can see them auctioning off this pick to a team interested in either Clausen(if still there), Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy. Then, I see them making a move for Ravens' OT Jared Gaither. Either way, I don't see Dallas at 27. (Previous pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Okla. St.)

28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St. - Despite the good Combine, Matthews' stock suffers from the lack of value for running backs these days. After all, why are teams going to pay top money to a guy that they'll probably have splitting carries. Certianly, Matthews can carry the load by himself but more and more teams are shifting to a two-back system. Even San Diego, the most RB-desperate of any team in the league, would still be using Matthews to split with holdover Darren Sproles. With RBs dropping each year, Matthews is a good bet to be here when the Chargers go on the clock. If not, a nose tackle like Terrence Cody would be nice as would some help on the offensive line. (Previous pick: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama)

29. New York Jets: Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State - The Jets have addressed most of their needs through trades and free agency. They got their 2nd wideout(Santonio Holmes), they got their 2nd corner(Antonio Cromartie), they got their 2nd RB(L.T.), and they got another pass rusher(Jason Taylor). What they didn't get was younger on the defensive line. That's why this pick will either be used on a blue-chipper like Odrick to help the line out or dealt to a team in the top part of Round 2 so that they can get Tebow or whomever and the Jets can recover some of the picks they've lost.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas - I know Tim Tebow has been projected here because everyone thinks Favre is playing a few more years and that would minimize the chance of Tebow being rushed to action before he's ready, but seriously, Tebow? In Brad Childress' hands? Not a good combination. Colt McCoy is a more natural QB. He's alot like Drew Brees was back in 2001(Note: I'm not saying Colt McCoy is the next Drew Brees. Do NOT send me emails about this matter). Like Brees, he's a bit on the short side(around 6', 6'1). Like Brees, he's got some spring in his step, able to move out of the pocket and throw on the run. Like Brees, he's accurate. Like Brees, he's a leader(at least, much more so than Clausen, who will be taken ahead of McCoy). Is Colt McCoy the next Drew Brees? Again, I say no BUT he's similar to Brees and I'm pretty sure that if you ask all the GMs that passed on Brees in '01, they feel really stupid(they're also probably mostly unemployed). McCoy can learn from Favre and would be a much better backup option than Tarvaris Jackson. In fact, while I won't cop to McCoy as the next Drew Brees, I WILL say Colt McCoy is the best QB in this draft. There. I said it. Sue me. (Previous pick: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame)

31. Indianapolis Colts: Brian Price, DT, UCLA - Colts GM Bill Polian called out the offensive line after the Super Bowl and, given how much Peyton Manning means to this team, don't be surprised if they do whatever it takes to bring in some help on the front line(pointing at you, Jared Gaither). With all the top tackles gone, Brian Price would be a nice consellation. Current DT Eric Foster is facing sexual assault charges and the team needs help inside even if Foster isn't reprimanded(though, after the Big Ben fiasco, that would be a stretch now). Price is a bit small, which gives him something in common with the other guys on this line, but he can get to the quarterback. Pass rusher isn't exactly a huge need but when you're picking down here, why not? (Previous pick: Maurkice Pouncey, G/C, Florida)

32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri - The Saints have needed linebacker help for quite some time and they've tried fixing that with a number of low-key signings(Scott Fujita, Jon Vilma, Brian Simmons, etc). That may have been enough to win the Super Bowl, but now Fujita is gone and some youth infusion is needed. Weatherspoon has the talent to be taken anywhere between the top 15 to 20 picks. The knock on Weatherspoon? His mouth. Scouts, opponents and the like have been turned away by Weatherspoon's ceaseless running yap. That could change around the right coaching staff and veteran leadership, but with so many teams steering clear of guys with anything resembling "baggage", don't be surprised if Weatherspoon's gift for gab drops him down a few spots. (Previous pick: Brian Price, DT, UCLA)