First Round NFL Mock Draft #1

by pastapadre
Posted February 22nd, 2010 at 1:36 pm

This is the first of several mock drafts I will release leading up to the start of the NFL Draft on April 22nd. Given that the combine begins this week and free agency on March 5th there will be several changes made as teams fill needs or new ones open up. So this is just the first crack at it given the situation as it stands now and with much more research to be done. Continue on to check out the mock draft and leave your thoughts in the comments!

1. St. Louis Rams – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

I can see the Rams trading down, potentially with Tampa Bay, or even selecting Sam Bradford here. The team has a disgruntled fan base which even though one of the top DTs may be the best decision, it would be the third straight year where a top pick was spent on an offensive or defensive lineman. For now though Suh looks like the safe choice.

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

The Lions are in a good position here since they are assured of getting either Suh or McCoy. Their defense needs a lot of help and establishing themselves in the trenches is the way to build. This is one of the times where team need and best available player match up perfectly.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Generally a safety isn’t taken this high but Eric Berry could be the choice here. He is in the mold of a Ed Reed, a playmaker type but can also come up closer to the LOS and is great in man to man coverage.

4. Washington Redskins – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

I’m somewhat uncomfortable placing Sam Bradford here right now given the questions about him. If it is not Bradford I’d expect the Redskins to go offensive line and take Russell Okung.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

There is definite need on the offensive line to protect the big investment that was made in Matt Cassel. The Chiefs could also look at Rolando McClain here.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

I’m not convinced that the Seahawks will take a QB, as this could also give them a chance to trade down with someone that wants one of the big two names. With Berry gone I see a QB most likely going here it just depends on what team makes the pick.

7. Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden, CB, Florida

A lock down corner that will be hard for Mike Holmgren to pass up. As bad as their offense was last year the value for a playmaker just isn’t there at this spot. Dez Bryant would add that to the team but they have some young WRs with potential already.

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

No one ever really knows what the Raiders will do, but Al Davis has shown the propensity to draft players based on physical makeup. That raises Campbell as a possibility considering his size (6’7″) and athletic ability. Durability has been a concern which would have this selection seem higher than most would anticipate Campbell to go.

9. Buffalo Bills – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Terrell Owens will be gone and poor Lee Evans has had to deal with being the only aerial threat there for some time with mediocre QBs. Bryant would be the prototypical #1 receiver in Buffalo and would make the offense much more dangerous. They would probably love to get Bradford or Clausen but the likelihood that one is available at this pick is low.

10.(T) Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

The Jags have missed on some early draft picks in recent years that were meant to address their pass rush. Morgan is a safer pick. He is solid against the run as well as a good pass rusher. His ceiling may not be as high as someone like Jason Pierre-Paul but Jacksonville can’t afford any more misses.

10.(T) Denver Broncos (from Chicago) – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

The Broncos seem like a candidate to try and trade up for one of the QBs. With them gone here though McClain would make a lot of sense for a defense that can afford to bolster its front seven. McClain is a versatile player with high intangibles.

12. Miami Dolphins – Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

An aging linebacker corp and the soon to be cutting of Joey Porter highlights the position as a top need. Jason Pierre-Paul has a lot of potential but is raw, while Kindle is more polished and experienced. Both would fit well as an OLB in the 3-4.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

An offensive tackle is almost certain to be taken by the 49ers with one of their first two picks. There are a handful now that have different grades from different teams, so there will probably be some separation after the combine. Williams is a well rounded option to choose here.

14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

There is a glaring lack of playmakers on offense for the Seahawks, Spiller would bring some excitement to the offense. A platoon of Spiller and Justin Forsett would really enhance the running game. Offensive line or defensive end could be considerations here as well.

15. New York Giants – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF

I’ve mentioned him a few times already and he has the potential to move up draft boards. The Giants would probably love to grab Rolando McClain but with him already gone grabbing a DE that could grow into a dominant force makes sense here.

16.(T) Tennessee Titans – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

The Titans are in pretty good shape on offense so I would look for this pick to be on the defensive side of the ball. It might be a reach to take a CB here so DE could be the choice. Dunlap is seen as a very talented player but his inconsistency is a concern.

16.(T) San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) – Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Earl Thomas is a player that I see only rising as the draft nears. The 49ers secondary needs help and a playmaking safety would add an element to their defense that has been lacking for some time. Taylor Mays is a possibility but a totally different type of safety.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

The Steelers offensive line has struggled pass protecting for a few years, and the usual strong running game was mediocre last season. Iupati is a versatile lineman that will be a top notch guard but also is being looked at with the potential of moving to tackle. Starting out at guard though most likely he would definitely improve the run game.

19.(T) Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

The Falcons biggest need is at corner, now whether or not they value any of them this high is the question. Wilson has moved up boards since his performance at Senior Bowl. OLB and DE would be other positions to look at here.

19.(T) Houston Texans – Brian Price, DT, UCLA

The Texans have drafted for the defensive line but it remains a weakness and Price is someone being overlooked by some. I almost had Taylor Mays here, and I may eventually shift the pick to a CB or S if the right one is available in a future mock.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Right here I looked at WR with Arrelious Benn and Brandon LaFell being possibilities. With the campaigning Chad Ochocinco is doing for Terrell Owens and the offense’s struggles late in the season there is no doubt the passing game needs another threat. Gresham has injury concerns (both knees have had ACLs repaired) but he would add a dynamic target for Carson Palmer and do so faster than those receivers would adapt.

22. New England Patriots – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

The Patriots clearly need to upgrade their defense, a pass rushing LB makes the most sense here with Weatherspoon fitting the mold of a high character guy that the team generally goes for that makes big plays. He stood out at the Senior Bowl with his versatility and energy.

23. Green Bay Packers – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

With Aaron Kampman likely gone the Packers could look at OLB here but the most pressing weakness for the team is on the offensive line. Anthony Davis has slipped some in this mock, primarily due to off-the-field concerns but he has a lot of talent and may go higher depending on upcoming evaluations.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

The Eagles could definitely use a high energy OLB or DE, of which Graham could potentially play either position but in a 4-3 is more likely to be an edge rusher. The secondary could also be looked at here but Graham seems to be the best value available.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

Long needing a true #1 WR the Ravens could try and get that this year with Benn or Brandon LaFell. Corner and tight end are other possibilities but with the players available it would be hard to imagine Baltimore passing on someone with the combination of size and speed that Benn presents.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Bryan Buluga, OT, Iowa

Buluga has fallen here to the latter half of round one which I doubt will be the case in future mocks. If any of the top tackles are still around than the Cardinals would probably jump on one. Otherwise it will likely be defense, either LB, DE, or CB.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State

The Cowboys could definitely use a playmaking safety but with Earl Thomas off the board they would have to look elsewhere. Upgrading the offensive line or grabbing a defensive end seem to be the next places to look towards. Odrick would be a good fit as a DE in the Cowboys 3-4.

28. San Diego Chargers – Taylor Mays, S, USC

If Mays were to fall this far he could be a good fit with the Chargers. A replacement to split time with Darren Sproles would probably be the place to look otherwise, but they could grab that in the second round.

29. New York Jets – Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern

Rex Ryan is likely to look to add another piece to the defense here, with Braylon Edwards likely coming back next season. If he were to leave they could look at WR but a DE right now seems more likely. Wootton would fit in great as a DE in the 3-4 but has some medical issues to be examined first.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

Why not add yet another Williams to the Vikings offensive line! Pat Williams will be 38 so they are going to need some new blood sooner or later. Dan Williams’ stock has been rising and he would fit in well to the defensive scheme. The Vikings could also look at corner or a complimentary back to Adrian Peterson should Chester Taylor depart.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

The Colts are likely to go defense here, with tackle and corner being the positions of most need. Robinson has some question marks but he has shown flashes of being a very good cover corner.

32. New Orleans Saints – Jahvid Best, RB, California

There is a decent possibility that the Saints will cut Reggie Bush, which would open up the possibility to draft another player with a dynamic skill set. The Saints have a lot of free agents but are still in good shape at most positions.

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http://twitter.com/craazyville Robert Hinshaw

All I really looked at (TBH) was the Hawks cause thats really all I care about…..and I would like to see them get a QB Fragilebeck is getting pretty weathered and they are going to have to find a solution that is better than Seneca
http://pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

This is one area I feel confident in Pete Carroll. If he were to draft Clausen, a guy that he recruited and coached against twice, he must have a really good feeling for him. If he passes on him then I'm okay with that because he likely has good reason. Too bad its not Jake Locker coming out this year.
Amen Ra

Yo Pasta we going to get full Online Franchise for Madden '11?!?!? I know you got the scoop from ya boys at EA
JPZX

nice i didnt know you did mock drafts. i love reading these. looks pretty good, would really be interesting to have the Chargers pick up Mays.
mike

I dont see my Giants taking Pierre-Paul. I think hes overrated and not very good against the run. Only way the Giants go DE is if Morgan falls somehow.
http://pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

You could be right. For now I liked JPP there because they don't have an absolute immediate need, but with Osi dropping off and potential free agents in the next year or two he could develop and be a force in a couple years.
mike

I would say its pretty solid throughout tho, its a tough draft to predict, a number of people could go almost anywhere between 1st and 3rd round depending on the combine. NFL.com by far as the worst mock draft ive ever seen, Eric Berry going 14th and so on.
at23steelers

I disagree about the Steelers. The lack of running, was due to all the pass plays, and the sacks were because of Big Ben. The oline needs unity, and a new addition wouldn't help that. I think the Steelers will take Earl Thomas if he is available, as Clark is likely gone, but if he is drafted, then I see us taking Cody or Dan Williams to replace the aging Hampton.
at23steelers

I disagree about the Steelers. The lack of running, was due to all the pass plays, and the sacks were because of Big Ben. The oline needs unity, and a new addition wouldn't help that. I think the Steelers will take Earl Thomas if he is available, as Clark is likely gone, but if he is drafted, then I see us taking Cody or Dan Williams to replace the aging Hampton.
http://www.twitter.com/gotmewrong1984 Dan

Seahawks could have a great draft if they get Clausen and Spiller. The Bills really need a QB so you think there's any chance that they could trade down if they can't get Bradford or Clausen?
http://pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

They have several needs so I don't see them trading down out of that spot right now.
Ghu55

I almost think the Rams will take a QB over Suh. I also have a hard time believing that Bradford will be the first QB picked. He may be extremely talented, but he is also injury plagued, and no one should risk that high a pick on someone they can't count on starting. Therefore Clausen is the first QB off the board imo.
Z0neDem0CracIYI

I think the Bengals will go Safety in rd.1 maybe Chad Jones or Taylor Mays. Jermaine Gresham is a popular pick but he doesnt really fit our sheme good we pefer blocking out of TE's first taht why Chase Coffman couldnt really get on the field. So we might look for Antwan Peek out of Alabama in rd.4. I think the Bengals will go Safety rd.1 Chad Jones or Taylor mays rd.2 Marty Gilyard or Rob Gronkowski rd.3 John Jerry or Troubled WR Mike Williams you know because the Bengals love Trouble “I just trade my Rd.1, Rd.4, and Next years Rd.2 for Brandon Marshall”
Rudy

I kind of hope McClain falls to the Dolphins at #12 but Kindle is nice too. I don't think Graham will fall that far but he could. I really like Earl Thomas. Definitely agree with him over Mays. Eric Berry is a nice player but it really seems as though the #3 pick in the draft isn't a great pick unless someone falls in love with a QB.
eric7064

Wheres golden tate…hes a 1st rounder
alexsherry23

Pretty Good!
http://pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

They wont talk about anything specifically, but I'd be shocked if OF isn't fully featured in Madden 11.
http://pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

I was looking at him in the last 1st round but didn't see the fit. Jets possibly. Otherwise I think he'll go early 2nd.
edude

I think Buffalo will take an OT at 9 and try to steal a WR in a later round. Plus they're hoping James Hardy will be good enough to step into a bigger role this year.

Also, you think the Raiders are smart enough to take a Tackle that early!? I predict they take a long snapper or holder.
http://plentyofprotein.com/ Keith

If the Ravens feel that Arrelious Benn is the best player in the draft that fits them, then I'm fine with them drafting him, but personally I think I'd rather see a versatile TE, a CB, or DE.
http://www.twitter.com/gotmewrong1984 Dan

LOL that or Tebow
juan deleon

yeah, i think the rams are going to get mccoy.
http://pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

I was thinking Gresham until I had him off the board to the Bengals. I didn't see a CB that would probably go that high but for sure a position they could use help in.
Mykal94

Jets- Rutgers CB Devin McCourty
MRxAmazing

Noooo way can I see the Giants are taking a DE with that pick, considering they still have Tuck and Kiwanuka. They have a few needs to say the least. They have no legitimate starting MLB. I'm not even sure who is starting opposite of Boley now. So they could easily look for an OLB with that pick also. Their secondary is always getting dinged up… And Michael Johnson isn't cutting it at S anymore. They could use a C, considering O'Hara is getting up there in age.

Definitely have some needs that should be addressed before taking another DE.
Badluck

you dont think that could backfire? theres a bunch of people who im sure just want the gameplay fixed(sure it was better than previous years but its nothing to brag about) and if they go 100% into online franchise (like NCAA did with season showdown) it could really bite them in the….
Bob

I highly doubt that the 1st two picks will be DT's. I also think that Dunlap will fall to either the late part of the 1st round or early 2nd round. Either way he would be a steal because if he can get motivated he has Reggie White type talent.

MLB 2K ALL DAY
Will

No Tim Tebow?
Amen Ra

Huge!!!
Amen Ra

No offense homeboy but gameplay is over-rated, the sales of Madden prove that point. Gameplay is for all the dudes who sit around trying to pick out the little minute details of bullshit that don't match up in real life. Online competition is what it's all about. I'm not saying it should be that way, but that's the way it is.
Amen Ra

Damn you 10X wrong on that homeboy. McCoy at #1?!?!?!?
http://twitter.com/TheImmortalGoud TheImmortalGoud

I think Seahawks are gonna go OT at 6. I see no way the Giants take a DE with there situation at the position, I could see them taking Price.
Ghu55

yeah Clausen #1 imo
arod111

How do u think the chargers will need a defensive back they defiantly will get a Rb defiantly since they released L.T.
Ty

A D-line men for the boys? im not being an ass, but whats your line of thinking beyond the listed description? Would Odrick be a better backup to Ratliff or an upgrade to Spears?
fittedcap247

viks taking a DT? i dont think so. they are in need of secondary help.
Quan

Exactly. Dallas will definitely not go DE 1st round when they have been the #1 sack team in 08, and a heck of a good one in '09. Spears is the weak link, but to say 1st round is crazy. We need to get some offensive lineman to pass protect.
juduking

I forgot where I read it but one of the draft guys at espn made sense to me. He said that every year in the early mocks, they all have the best player going number one overall, but as time goes on and the senior bowl, and combine come and go its not necessarily the best player taken but what player would sell the most tickets. He went on to say that he thinks the Rams will take a QB and not Suh, which is fine by me being a Lions fan. Also question for Pasta, how far of a gap talent-wise do you think there is between Suh and McCoy?
http://credit-cards.wisdomoffinance.com/what-the-credit-card-act-means-for-you-bucks-blog-nytimes-com/ What the Credit Card Act Means for You – Bucks Blog – NYTimes.com | Credit Cards Finance Wisdom

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cjspears

I'm really thinking that the Redskins will take Clausen. Shanahan would love to have a young QB to groom and they need a “face” of the team. I think he would fill that role a little better than Bradford, plus there is still some concerns over his shoulder. Being from Missouri, I can say that if the Rams pass up Suh, they can just go ahead and move back to L.A. lol. Titans better go DE because I think Vanden Bosch will be playing elsewhere next season and as for my Vikings, Dan Williams or Jared Odrick would be my pick if available and try and go CB in the second round.
cbtaylo

Cut Reggie Bush? Then pick Jahvis Best? I dont think so…
ermac

http://www.themadchuck.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/will.radie Will Radie

I was thinking Clausen might end up in Seattle too. If so.. Enjoy him… He did some pretty good stuff at Notre Dame, despite having his head kicked in on a constant basis in his first few years.
jlutz

Jahvid Best in the Big Easy ehh?
I’ve seen crazier but that’s also pretty crazy. A lot of other mock drafts have The Saints getting Weatherspoon from Mizzou
davis=sux

Anthony Davis is an overrated slug. Thompson doesn’t have the greatest record drafting OL but I’m hoping he can see that.
http://detroit-lions.nflannouncer.com/lions-shopping-no-2-overall-pick-nfl-com-detroit-lions-blog/ Lions shopping No. 2 overall pick (NFL.com) | Detroit Lions Blog | Detroit Lions NFL Announcer

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willy2535

yeah i find it funny that everyone is saying rams are gunna tak Suh because he is the best player in the draft even though most ppl think QB is their biggest need, does anyone remember a guy call “Aaron Curry” in last years draft, he was rated the “best” player in the draft, same as what Suh is being called in this draft, and where did curry end up going???? #4 i believe, jst becoz a player is rated as “the best” doesnt mean hes gunna go #1
Willy2535

hey pasta how u feeling about Toby Gerhart, if we dont take spiller in the 1st round, i would like to think we would get him in the 2nd or 3rd round, i watched his highlights video and noticed he destroyed USC so hopefully pete carrol remembers that come draft day lol the guy is a beast who breaks 1st contact everytime, hes like a white brandon jacobs lol
Ron

I think Brandon Graham is too small to be a DE in a 4-3. He'll be like Trent Cole and Freeney, but the eagles D line needs size now. If they sign Peppers I'm sure they'll draft a safety or outside linebacker. Hopefully they trade up for Eric Berry. The guy is just too good.
http://pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

Seems like he would be good in a rotation with him and Forsett.I'm not really sure why Gerhart isn't held in higher regard. I have to look into him more though.
Willy2535

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjLh_yO41jw

Thats the video that i watched of him, im sure u will be able to do a bit more detailed research than me though, im a bit restricted being from australia, but i agree with u that him and forsett would make a nice 1- 2 punch, uve got the brute force from gerhart and then the finesse from forsett
GoMadden

Oops double post
GoMadden

Really good write-up! I don't think the Jags will take a DE though, they're really big about grabbing the best available player. Hopefully that also happens to be a DE! lol…
Willy2535

i rekon hawks should take a LT and CJ Spiller with the 2 1st round picks
Willy2535

yeah i find it funny that everyone is saying rams are gunna tak Suh because he is the best player in the draft even though most ppl think QB is their biggest need, does anyone remember a guy call “Aaron Curry” in last years draft, he was rated the “best” player in the draft, same as what Suh is being called in this draft, and where did curry end up going???? #4 i believe, jst becoz a player is rated as “the best” doesnt mean hes gunna go #1
Willy2535

hey pasta how u feeling about Toby Gerhart, if we dont take spiller in the 1st round, i would like to think we would get him in the 2nd or 3rd round, i watched his highlights video and noticed he destroyed USC so hopefully pete carrol remembers that come draft day lol the guy is a beast who breaks 1st contact everytime, hes like a white brandon jacobs lol
Ron

I think Brandon Graham is too small to be a DE in a 4-3. He'll be like Trent Cole and Freeney, but the eagles D line needs size now. If they sign Peppers I'm sure they'll draft a safety or outside linebacker. Hopefully they trade up for Eric Berry. The guy is just too good.
http://pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

Seems like he would be good in a rotation with him and Forsett.I'm not really sure why Gerhart isn't held in higher regard. I have to look into him more though.
Willy2535

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjLh_yO41jw

Thats the video that i watched of him, im sure u will be able to do a bit more detailed research than me though, im a bit restricted being from australia, but i agree with u that him and forsett would make a nice 1- 2 punch, uve got the brute force from gerhart and then the finesse from forsett

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