Roaming the Sidelines: NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Posted by The Skyliner on March 3rd, 2010Cory Guinn
Sports Editor
1. St. Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Suh and fellow lineman Gerald McCoy could be virtually interchangeable at this spot. In a day and age where much of the NFL is dominated by offense, it is critical to have a talented defense. Suh has size and speed that are rare among men his size (6’4”, 303 lbs).
2. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
No matter who is taken first, the Lions are sure to feel fortunate to have either McCoy or Suh in this spot. McCoy is more of a pass rushing lineman and in a league dominated by passing attacks, anything that can help a defense stop the passing game is a plus.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
As stated in my first mock draft, there is no better prospect at the safety postion than Eric Berry. He is a hard-hitting defensive back with a nose for the ball and above-average speed. The Buccaneers need to return to the defense that won them a Super Bowl title in 2002 and Berry is a step in the right direction.
4. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
While new head coach Mike Shanahan continues to evaluate his current quarterback Jason Campbell, this pick is very likely to change. But for now, Bradford is still the Redskins’ top choice. Based solely on potential, if Bradford recovers from shoulder surgery, as many think he will, he could be the top quarterback to come out of the 2010 draft.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Chiefs need to protect quarterback Matt Cassell and will make this their top off-season priority. By giving Cassell time to throw the ball to his young wide receivers, the Chiefs’ offense will improve immediately. Okung is the top rated tackle in this year’s draft and Kansas City would love to have his ability to anchor their line.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Byan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
The second most-pro-ready offensive tackle, Bulaga’s stock has been on the rise of late. With two picks in the first round, Seattle can afford to secure an offensive lineman and worry about a quarterback or running back with their second pick. This would give new head coach Pete Carroll plenty of things to think about going into the later parts of round one.
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
The Browns could go a number of directions with this pick but choosing the best corner in the draft would be the best thing to do. Landing the draft’s most complete defensive back should be above drafting for potential. Cleveland has a history of pretty decent draft picks and choosing Haden should continue that trend.
8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
We never know whom the Raiders will choose in the first round until after the 40-yard dash times from the NFL Combine are posted. However, until then we must go with the best fit, which is Anthony Davis. Davis will be ready to start from day one at left tackle and if JaMarcus Russell is going to be the quarterback, Oakland has to find a way to protect his blindside.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
The Bills could go choose from many different positions here, but this team needs a quarterback. Buffalo’s offense was terrible in 2009 and without a quarterback, 2010 will not be much different. Clausen is a born leader with a strong arm and pinpoint accuracy. The Bills need a franchise quarterback and picking Clausen is a great place to start.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Earl Thomas is known as a play-making safety and that is just what the Jaguars need. Thomas can cover, seems to always know where the ball is going to be and can come up to the line and deliver help against the run. A strong showing at the combine will help his stock continue to rise.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 6