The Football Fan Spot

1. St. Louis Rams 1-15

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, unless the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future. Don’t listen to Todd McShay when he says Clausen isn’t very good. For more on why McShay is an idiot, click here. Many will argue Ndamukong Suh here, but, as dominant of a prospect he is, he doesn’t have the positional value here. History has shown, if a team needs a left tackle or quarterback early in the draft, they will take that above all else, even the consensus top prospect. Remember Glenn Dorsey? How about Aaron Curry? Here’s some facts. Since 1998, 36 players have gone in the top three overall. 15 have been quarterbacks, 6 have been offensive tackles, and 6 have been defensive ends. That’s only 25% that aren’t quarterbacks, offensive tackles, or defensive ends. When you look closer, all 12 #1 overall picks since 1998 have been quarterback, offensive tackles, or defensive end. Those positions just have so much more positional value than any other. For more facts on the top 3 picks, click here. The Rams don’t need an offensive tackle or defensive end, so it’ll be quarterback here. Right now, other mock drafters seem to be leanings towards Suh over Clausen. For more information check out our NFL Mock Draft Database.

2. Detroit Lions 2-14

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they have the tendency to take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player, by far, and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 21st against the run, although they have looked better over the past few weeks. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development. But, you can’t really blame the Lions for taking the best available player, especially when he’s a player that is as dominant at his position as Ndamukong Suh. Only 1 defensive tackle has gone in the top three since 1998, but Suh is that good.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

The Bucs want to build around their defensive line. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available. He’s not the dominant defensive tackle Suh is, but he’s a great finesse one gap penetrator at defensive tackle that could flourish if the Bucs decide to switch back to a Tampa 2 defensive system. The Bucs could also trade down if someone like Seattle offers enough to move up here and take a franchise left tackle like Russell Okung because, even though he’ll probably be the guy they’re targeting, they can get McCoy a few picks farther down.

4. Washington Redskins 4-12

The writing is on the wall for Jason Campbell. There’s a new head coach and a new GM in town. The guys who drafted him are gone, most of them long gone. He just happened to have his 2 worst games of his career in the last 3 weeks of this season and now he’s a restricted free agent. Even if the Redskins tender him a contract, they’ll likely trade him to the highest bidder and even if he isn’t traded, he’ll likely only be back on a one year deal to be a stop gap while a young quarterback waits to take over in 2011, a smart idea. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford has a lot of issues, namely his injured shoulder and the system he played in during college, but if history is any indicator, there’s a good chance he sneaks up into the top 5. Last year, I had Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman in the 2^nd round at this points. Sanchez went 5^th and Freeman went 17^th. Why? If a team needs a quarterback in the first round, chances are they take one even if it’s a reach. There are way too many teams with needs at the quarterback position this year, including Washington, for guys like Bradford and Tim Tebow, who look like borderline 1^st round picks on paper, to not go in the top 15.

5. Kansas City Chiefs 4-12

Brandan Albert was one of the worst starting left tackles in the league this year and he’s movable, either by trade or more likely to a different position, for many reasons. He doesn’t have a large contract. The regime that drafted him is no longer in town. He has versatility position wise and can also play right tackle or left guard in addition to left tackle. There’s a very good chance that Albert isn’t their left tackle next year and if Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is still available at #5, I would be very surprised if they didn’t draft him. The only reason I can see them passing on Okung is if they have their mind set on signing Matt Light in 2011 in an attempt to recreate the 2003 New England Patriots. I hear Ty Law and Troy Brown are still looking for work.

6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

Pete Carroll could go a number of ways with his two first round picks. He could go best available. He could draft for need. He could value getting his own franchise quarterback above anything and with the way Matt Hasselbeck played at the end of the season last year, that might not be a bad idea. He could value drafting former USC players above anything. However, there’s one thing that I think is certain. If a player as good as Tennessee FS Eric Berry is available at #6, Carroll, unless he’s completely inept, is going to take him. Carroll knows talent obviously as shown by his major success at USC and I highly doubt he passes on someone as talented as Eric Berry.

7. Cleveland Browns 5-11

This is where the draft hits a crossroad. I have no idea what the Browns are going to do here. Eric Mangini didn’t draft his own guy at quarterback last year in his first offseason and with new team president Mike Holmgren, there’s a chance they go that direction, but I doubt they’ll reach for Tim Tebow to do it, especially with how much Eric Mangini enjoyed drafting random positions last year. Plus, I don’t think we’ve seen enough of Brady Quinn to call him a bust yet. I think the Browns will either draft down or go best available, but the problem is, determining who I believe they will see as best available. This pick could very well be Derrick Morgan, but he’s not a good fit for the 3-4 defense, so I won’t mock him here unless I here something from Cleveland saying that the coaching staff believes him to have the ability to play rush linebacker. Rolando McClain makes sense and I’ve actually had him here at this spot before, but then again, 3-4 middle linebackers rarely go top 10. Even Patrick Willis slipped to #11. That leaves Dez Bryant and Joe Haden, a wide receiver and a cornerback. I’ll go with Florida CB Joe Haden for now because Mangini obviously enjoys less valuable positions  like cornerback…or center, but don’t quote me on this one just yet.

8. Oakland Raiders 5-11

JaMarcus Russell could be easily replaced with a large sack of potatoes with a Raiders Jersey on it and no one would notice. Because of that, quarterback is a major possibility here, especially if Tebow runs a fast 40 like Al Davis likes, but I don’t think his arm is quite strong enough for Davis’ liking. Davis would have likely drafted USC FS Taylor Mays at #7 last year if he hadn’t returned to school. While at school, Mays’ flaws were exposed in a big way, but of course Al Davis hasn’t noticed because he’s been dead for 3 years. If Mays can live up to his measurables, 6-3 230 4.3, he’s a very good candidate to go here.

9. Buffalo Bills 6-10

Alabama MLB Rolando McClain is the best available player here, but I could never mock him to the Bills at 9 before because, despite their major need for a middle linebacker and someone to help stop the run, McClain doesn’t have top ten pick value as a 4-3 middle linebacker. However, now that the Bills have switched to a 3-4 with a new regime in town, it becomes more likely that they will draft McClain here. The first thing a new regime will do when it comes to town, after bringing in their own guy at quarterback if they feel it necessary, will be getting guys to fit their system, especially if they drastically change the system, like from a 4-3 zone to a 3-4. They don’t have anyone who fits the 3-4 middle linebacker position on their roster because all of their linebackers are too small, as they could be in a zone 4-3. McClain helps a team that was 31^st in the league against the run not become worse this year, and also is the best available player.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-9

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver pretty much promised that the Jags would draft in state Florida QB Tim Tebow in the first round in an attempt to sell more tickets and save the franchise’s future in Jacksonville. He seems to have forgotten that the Jags already have a good quarterback, David Garrard, who has a 60% completion percentage in each of his four years as starter as well as 59 touchdowns to 35 picks, but I guess the Jags will do what they have to do to make Jacksonville football fans, who clearly don’t care, come to the stadium, rather than moving the team to a city that deserves a franchise like San Antonio or Los Angeles. Despite what media is saying, Tim Tebow’s Senior Bowl performance was neutral. He had some nice throws, some bad throws, but for the most part played out of an offense similar to what he played in at Florida so we can’t really make a judgement. However, all that being said, I think this pick will most likely be traded. The Jags really don’t have to worry about anyone else taking Tebow between now and Minnesota at 29, so they can trade down with a team like Philly who would be interested in taking Derrick Morgan here, and get themselves a 2^nd round pick and another pick in the process. The Jags, in addition to not selling tickets, sucked on defense last year and if they take Tebow here instead of trading down, they’ll have to wait until the 3^rd round to fill a defensive need.

11. Denver Broncos 8-8 (via CHI)

I’ve had Dez Bryant here in recent weeks, but if the Broncos trade Brandon Marshall because Josh McDaniels would rather have a team of completely silent players than players that act out a little bit, why would they want Bryant? Bryant was suspended all last season, for the most part. It was for something stupid and completely unfair, but then again Josh McDaniels is not very smart. The Broncos will go with a wide receiver here who doesn’t have a history of “character issues” that also has the size to replace Marshall. Illinois WR Arrelious Benn is not the smart pick here, but he didn’t have any problems with his coaches or the NCAA in his time at Illinois and he has the size to replace Marshall. He also didn’t produce last year and is mostly physical upside, but again, Josh McDaniels isn’t very smart. This is the guy who last season drafted a running back at 12 that he could have gotten at 18, drafted a guy at 18 who didn’t fit the scheme, traded a future first rounder for a nickel corner who did nothing this year, and traded up into the 2^ndround for a blocking tight end that they could have gotten in the 7^th. If Marshall is kept, Dan Williams will probably be the pick, but I could also see Jermaine Gresham go here because the Broncos will need a tight end after they refuse to resign Tony Scheffler.

12. Miami Dolphins 7-9

I’ve had them taking a nose tackle in recent weeks, but the more I think about it, the more I think Bill Parcells will love South Florida RLB Jason Pierre Paul. JPP would be a perfect fit for his scheme at rush linebacker, where they do need help, and he has great upside. If the Dolphins sign Elvis Dumervil in the offseason, he wants to follow Mike Nolan to Miami and he’s from Miami, then this pick will be a nose tackle once again, but I don’t think Parcells will pass on JPP. The fact that they will likely release Joey Porter makes this move make more sense.

13. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis is the best available tackle here and he’s too good for the Niners to pass on at 13. He’s very raw, but he’s also 20 years old only, and has only two years experience playing tackle and already he’s a very strong mauling blocker and a good right tackle at best. However, he has the upside to be an elite left tackle as well.

14. Seattle Seahawks 5-11 (via DEN)

Pete Carroll has a pretty easy first round of his first NFL draft since returning to the NFL this year, huh? Just take the guy who is glaringly the best player available and fills a major need. Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard. Campbell is a steal here.

15. New York Giants 8-8

As weird as it may sound, the Giants only had 32 sacks last season, despite all of the money they have invested in their defensive line. Now, Osi Umenyiora wants out because he’s insulted that he was turned into a 3^rd round rusher alone late last season. There’s a good chance they either cut him to take his large cap number off of the payroll, or trade him to a team like St. Louis who needs a veteran defensive line leader. Osi has also had his best success under Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, the former Giants defensive coordinator. If Osi leaves, they’ll definitely have to look for more help on the defensive line and even if he stays, they might consider Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan here simply because Giants GM Jerry Reese is such a fan of the best player available strategy when it comes to drafting.

16. Tennessee Titans 8-8

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starting corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. I think this is the farthest Tennessee DT Dan Williams falls. As weird as it may seem, he’s a do everything nose tackle. He’s 325 pounds, but has experience playing in a system similar to the one the Titans run now and he’s also an in-state college kid. He is mobile enough to play in Tennessee’s system and, though he’s not the pass rusher Haynesworth was, he can be the big mobile body that Haynesworth was in the middle of their defense a couple of years ago and free things up for the guys on the outside. He’d be a great compliment to their roster full of sub 300 pound defensive tackles.

17. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. I don’t think Shawntae Spencer is the answer either, but with Nate Clements reportedly moving to free safety next year, Spencer is probably going to start another year. Regardless, they would still need a corner to play opposite him. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is shooting up draft boards this season, after a down year last season. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run which Mike Singletary will love.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

Its painfully obvious that the Steelers need offensive line help after giving up 20 sacks to the Browns, Packers, Ravens, and Dolphins in the last 4 weeks of the season. However, they’ve needed offensive line help for years and haven’t done anything about it. Plus, its also painfully obvious that Mike Tomlin doesn’t trust his defense, even more painfully obvious than their offensive line is bad. Mike Tomlin tried an onside kick with a 2 point lead in a game late in the season against the Packers because he didn’t trust his defense to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Packers would recover and score and if it weren’t for late game heroics from Big Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin would have been the laughing stock of the NFL. That is how far this defense has fallen since being one of the best in history last year. The biggest reason for their defensive struggles has been Troy Polamalu’s injuries. In the 5 games in which he has played, the Steelers were 4-1 and allowed 13.8 points per game. In the games he missed, they gave up 23.2 and were consequently 5-6. Their lack of a good safety opposite him is obvious. Texas FS Earl Thomas is probably the best player available and the Steelers have shown in recent years that they are fans of the best player available strategy drafting guys like Rashard Mendenhall and Evander Hood in the first round even when they weren’t their biggest needs.

19. Atlanta Falcons 9-7

I’m hearing from sources that the Falcons are greatly leading towards a cornerback here, despite defensive end also being a major need. Some have even said that a cornerback going here is as close to a being a lock as there is in the first round. Atlanta reportedly loves Boise State CB Kyle Wilson whose stock is soaring after the Senior Bowl. Normally I’d be wary of a fast riser like Wilson, but I have been high on him for a while giving him a fairly steady 2^nd round grade. He’d be a reach, but if they like him, there are a lot worse things they can do. All of the defensive ends available are upside guys for the most part, Everson Griffen, Greg Hardy, Carlos Dunlap, but if this team sees Brandon Graham as a fit for the 4-3 despite his height, he could also be the pick here. He’s the hard worker Mike Smith likes.

20. Houston Texans 9-7

The Texans need a good defensive back, especially a cornerback, but there aren’t any available that aren’t huge reaches so the Texans can really just go with the best available. Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant is a huge steal at this point in the draft. If he pans out, opposing defensive coordinators are going to have nightmares about having to guard both him and Andre Johnson, and Owen Daniels coming over the middle as a tight end.

21. Cincinnati Bengals 10-7

The Bengals proved by signing Matt Jones that they are not done taking chances on guys with character problems, even though the team played well last year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, Cedric Benson looked like the MVP of the league before he got hurt and Larry Johnson helped the Bengals late last year when Benson was hurt and 2009 2^nd round pick Rey Maualuga who dropped for character reasons was in the running for defensive player of the year this season. Florida DE Carlos Dunlap has an awful work ethic and recently was arrested for drunk driving, but those things are like turn ons to whoever if drafting for the Bengals. Antawn Odom is talented when healthy, but he rarely is so, assuming Michael Johnson doesn’t pan out, the Bengals still need a right end of the future and Dunlap, who has athleticism, 6-6 290 4.7, could be that guy if he straightens himself out. The signing of Matt Jones makes their need for a wide receiver lesser so I doubt they reach for one here.

22. New England Patriots 10-7

As a Patriots fan, the Pats’ defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him against New Orleans and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^nd round to work with. Clemson RB CJ Spiller would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well. They’re also always a candidate to trade down.

23. Green Bay Packers 10-7

The Packers have done a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available left tackle. He had injury issues this year, but has all the physical tools to be an elite left tackle in the NFL and he has the athleticism and familiarity to play in the Packers zone blocking scheme.

24. Philadelphia Eagles 11-6

Andy Reid is still the coach of the Eagles and he likes to take big defensive linemen. They need an every down left end, which they lack right now. Reid will not shy away from taking one, especially if Michigan DE Brandon Graham is still available. He fits what the Eagles look for in a defensive end, tenacious and never quitting and a good bull rusher. He could be a ten sack guy in the future in the Eagles system opposite Trent Cole.

25. Baltimore Ravens 10-8

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. USC WR Damian Williams is the best available at a position of huge need and is the logical pick here.

26. Arizona Cardinals 11-7

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future.

27. Dallas Cowboys 12-6

I don’t think the Cowboys, needing upgrades all across their offensive line will pass on Idaho G Mike Iupati. All of their starting offensive lineman are over 30 and their lack of depth was very evident in their playoff loss to the Vikings. Iupati has the size that the Cowboys love in an offensive lineman. The faces of the once asleep Dallas Cowboys’ scouts perked up majorly at the Senior Bowl when Iupati’s name was announced at the weigh in. He makes too much sense here.

28. San Diego Chargers 13-4

Always ones to surprise, the Chargers can be tough to predict. However, I have a hunch that this pick could be Alabama NT Terrence Cody. I know nose tackle isn’t a huge need, but Jamal Williams is on the wrong side of 30 and coming off of major surgery. Nose tackles like Cody are extremely rare so the Chargers, who run a pure 3-4 defense, shouldn’t pass on the chance to grab a true nose tackle here at 28.

29. New York Jets 11-8

Trading for Mark Sanchez was the right longterm move for the franchise, especially given how little they had to give up to move up to get him. One player they did give up was Kenyon Coleman. He is a 3-4 defensive end, so he’s absence did not hurt them a ton, especially when you consider they got a franchise quarterback, but they still do need to replace him. Penn State DE Jared Odrick plays defensive tackle in college, but would be a natural fit for this team at 3-4 defensive end, which is a big need where they have a major hole.

30. Minnesota Vikings 13-5

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but I doubt the Vikings would reach a quarterback in this situation, especially since all of the quarterbacks available here could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in UCLA DT Brian Price, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Price is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely. He should be able to capitalize on his 7 sacks this season and get drafted in the first round as the 3^rd defensive tackle off the board.

31. Indianapolis Colts 16-3

Little known Charlie Johnson did a decent job of protecting Peyton Manning’s blindside this year, though with a quarterback as smart as Manning, its not hard to look good protecting him. Still, Johnson, who was decent, but not great, is a free agent this offseason, and the Colts are a team that tends to use the strategy of best available when it comes to drafting. USC OT Charles Brown would be a perfect fit for their zone blocking scheme and he’s too talented to slip much further. He would be an upgrade over Johnson and a more longterm fix for the Colts. 

32. New Orleans Saints 16-3

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game. If it weren’t for Brandon Graham, Weatherspoon would be the MVP of the Senior Bowl. He looked excellent doing everything from getting into the backfield, to covering a much faster man and breaking up the pass, to getting a late interception.

33. St. Louis Rams- WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

If the Rams draft Jimmy Clausen, they better get him someone to throw to. Who better than Golden Tate, his leading receiver at Notre Dame over the past two years, who also happens to be the best available receiver. Tate should continue to be Clausen’s favorite target next year if the two remain teammates. Side note: If the Rams pass on Clausen, they'll have to choose between Colt McCoy and Tony Pike and besides the obvious reasons why Clausen is better than them, stronger arm, better production, pro style offense experience, younger, history shows that if a guy drops to the 2nd round, there's normally a pretty good reason for that. For more on that, click here.

34. Detroit Lions- WR Brandon LaFell (LSU)

The Lions always like to grab the guy they feel is the best available and that could be LaFell, who could have gone in the first round. Wide receiver isn’t a huge need, but they do need someone opposite Calvin Johnson and with Matt Stafford throwing to Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, and LaFell, they could have very balanced, young, and explosive offense. Offensive line help is also needed, but they appear content with Jeff Backus at left tackle and they wouldn’t use this pick on a guard.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Everson Griffen (USC)

The Bucs continue to rebuild their defense in the trenches. They got a 2^nd round pick for Gaines Adams (RIP) so I would be very surprised if they didn’t take a replacement at right end for him. Styles G White is a decent nickel rusher, but not an every down end. Griffen has too much upside too fall any further even if there are questions about his hustle, motivation, and whether or not he can put it all together.

36. Kansas City Chiefs- RLB Jerry Hughes (TCU)

The Chiefs more than doubled their sack total in 2009! That would be amazing if it weren’t for the fact that they only had 10 sacks in 2008. They need an elite #1 pass rusher and luckily for them, Jerry Hughes falls out of fear that he’ll bust. Many rush linebacker prospects have busted in recent years because they are learning a new position (see Vernon Gholston). The Chiefs can afford to take a risk on Hughes here, in fact they can’t afford not to take a risk on him.

37. Washington Redskins- RB Jahvid Best (California)

Daniel Snyder is such a fan of big names and selling tickets that, even with their offensive line issues, he’s not going to be able to pass on Best here. Best would compliment an aging Clinton Portis well and would be an excellent fit in new coach ike Shanahan’s zone style offense.

38. Cleveland Browns- MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Again, Eric Mangini is unpredictable as a drafter. He’ll probably trade down 5 times and draft a kicker, but I’ll give him some credit and assume he’ll just take best available. Spikes would fit their 3-4 defense really well and give them a much needed upgrade inside next to D’Qwell Jackson.

39. Oakland Raiders- OT Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

They are only rumors, but Trent Williams may have once run a 4.85 40 in practice at 6-5 315. If he’s anywhere near that fast at the combine, speed crazy Al Davis will take him here in the 2^nd round. At least he’ll be an upgrade over Mario Henderson. Actually, this isn’t a bad pick.

40. Seattle Seahawks- CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest)

Marcus Trufant was the most penalized defensive back in the league last year. That’s bad enough, but when you consider that he did that despite missing the first 6 games of the season with injury. Something tells me the Seahawks could be looking for some young blood at the cornerback position this offseason, even if they do draft Eric Berry to play safety. Ghee would fit the scheme well and he is the best available cornerback.

41. Buffalo Bills- NT Cam Thomas (North Carolina)

The Bills were 31^st in the league against the run out of 32 teams last year. Now they are switching to a 3-4. If they can’t get a big nose tackle to center their 3-4 around, they could be even worse against the run next year. Cam Thomas is a 3^rdround prospect in my book, but after a huge Senior Bowl, and in a weak nose tackle class, he has the potential to go here.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- WR Jeremy Williams (Tulane)

Head Coach Raheem Morris said that their biggest offseason need is to build around Josh Freeman. Well, if Antonio Bryant leaves as a free agent, Josh Freeman isn’t going to have any good receivers. Even if Bryant stays, he’s inconsistent and they do need an upgrade opposite him. This wide receiver class is pretty thick towards the top so they can take a guy like Williams here and be content that they have a guy who, at the very least, is a future #2.

43. Miami Dolphins- FS Nate Allen (South Florida)

Gibril Wilson was a waste of money. For all they paid him, he was still benched midseason. Chris Clemons was average at best in relief of him and he’s more of a strong safety anyway. Allen is a natural free safety and Bill Parcells is going to like him because of his fundamentals and the way he plays football.

44. New England Patriots- 3-4 DE LaMarr Houston (Texas)

Again, they’ll probably trade down, but Houston would be a good fit for their defense. They need a longterm replacement for Richard Seymour and Houston fits as a 3-4 defense end.

45. Denver Broncos- DE Arthur Jones (Syracuse)

As mentioned in the first round, the Broncos flat out sucked against the run in the 2^nd half of last season. Losing defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is only going to hurt this team against the run (yes, I did just say something good about Mike Nolan, horrible coach, excellent defensive coordinator). If McDaniels is a capable drafter (based on his 2009 showing I’m not so sure) he’ll focus 2 early picks on the front 7 in an effort finally make this team decent against the run.

46. New York Giants- SS Chad Jones (LSU)

The Giants gave up the 13^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 3rd most points. That means they gave up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they couldn’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Jones is the best available safety.

47. New England Patriots (via JAC)- RLB Sergio Kindle (Texas)

Bill Belicheck seems hesitant to draft a rush linebacker, which is weird because he’s never hesitant to do anything. It must be because of how few of the defensive ends switching to rush linebacker actually pan out. For more on that, click here. However, he can’t hesitate anymore, the Pats only managed 31 sacks all last year and their pass defense suffered because of it. Kindle is a safe bet here because he has experience playing standing up at outside linebacker at Texas, in addition to playing defensive end, so he is going to be comfortable in coverage and blitzing from an outside position. Again, for more on why drafting rush linebackers with experience at outside linebacker is important, click the link above. Kindle also has huge upside.

48. Carolina Panthers- WR Eric Decker (Minnesota)

Part of the reason for Jake Delhomme’s struggles last year was because he had no one to throw to except Steve Smith. Matt Moore appears to be the quarterback of the future for this team so they’ll need to get him someone to compliment Smith. Decker would be perfect for the job because he’s a consistent possession receiver, whereas Smith is an inconsistent deep threat.  

49. San Francisco 49ers- RB Dexter McCluster (Mississippi)

I’ve heard rumors about the Niners possibly taking CJ Spiller in the first round, but when they have other needs, why would they take a luxury guy like Spiller in the first, especially when they can take McCluster in the 2^nd. I can’t say for sure where McCluster is going, because he would fit so many teams, but he can definitely help the Niners in many ways. He can be their Percy Harvin. He can be a 3^rd round back, a slot receiver, and help in the return game. Just put the ball in his hands and good things could happen.

50. Kansas City Chiefs (via ATL)- TE Aaron Hernandez (Florida)

The Chiefs got this pick from Atlanta for Tony Gonzalez. They might want to consider using it on a replacement tight end, because Matt Cassel needs more guys to throw to. Scott Pioli could be partial to Hernandez over guys like Dennis Pitta and Rob Gronkowski because he reminds people of Ben Watson, who he worked with in New England.

51. Houston Texans- CB Patrick Robinson (Florida State)

The Texans had 14 interceptions all year last year and 4 of those came from their linebackers and 9 from their safeties, including 4 from Bernard Pollard (hey, maybe the Chiefs shouldn’t have cut him). That leaves only 1 interception by any of their cornerbacks. Robinson had 7 in his career at Florida State and he had a very good game in the Senior Bowl.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers- G Maurkice Pouncey (Florida)

The Steelers need offensive line upgrades. Pouncey, at 319 pounds, is the physical type lineman that the Steelers like. He can play 4 positions on the line, including center and right tackle, in addition to both guard spots.

53. New England Patriots- WR Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas)

Randy Moss has only one year left on his contract and based on his effort last year and the Patriots early playoff exit, there’s a good chance they either trade or cut him this offseason. They would need a deep threat to compliment either Wes Welker or Julian Edelman, depending on whether or not Welker can play. Briscoe would fit the scheme extremely well because he played in a similar scheme and had huge numbers at Kansas last year.

54. Cincinnati Bengals- WR Marshawn Gilyard (Cincinnati)

Signing Matt Jones alone isn’t going to help their offensive issues. From week 9, when Chris Henry went out with an injury to the end of the season, Carson Palmer threw for 1254 yards in 8 games, 427 coming in games against the Lions and Raiders. Chris Henry died in December after a tragic accident. RIP. However, in football, life moves on, it has to. They need a deep threat, and not a possession guy like Jones, to compliment Chad Ochocinco otherwise Palmer is doomed to have another mediocre year. In fact, as shown in the playoffs, he could be worse than mediocre next year if they don’t get a deep threat at wide receiver. Gilyard really raised his stock with a big Senior Bowl. He’s a local product and a redemption story after losing his scholarship for academic reasons early in his college career which the Bengals will like.

55. Philadelphia Eagles- OLB Daryl Washington (TCU)

The Eagles need an outside linebacker opposite Will Witherspoon next season. Daryl Washington is an excellent fundamental player and a fluid athlete and would fit the Eagles scheme perfectly.

56. Green Bay Packers- CB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State)

Cox helps the Packers in two ways. He can help as a defensive back, starting out as a nickel guy, and maybe challenging Tramon Williams for a starting job. Plus, Charles Woodson isn’t going to last forever so Cox can be their longterm replacement for him. He can also play some safety. Cox also would help in the return game.

57. Baltimore Ravens- CB Domonique Franks (Oklahoma)

After Lardarius Webb got hurt, the Ravens had to starting kick returner Chris Carr at cornerback. I think its safe to say they need some cornerback depth and Franks provides good depth and upside at the position.

58. Arizona Cardinals- OT Jason Fox (Miami)

Both of the Cardinals starting tackles gave up 9 sacks last year. Kurt Warner played well through it, but Matt Leinart is nowhere near as mentally tough, so they’ll definitely need tackle help. Fox is solely a left tackle, and they might have to take one more tackle before the draft is over, but he has first round talent. He only falls here because of his lack of versatility and questions about his health, knee surgery, and heart problems.

59. Dallas Cowboys- G Vladimir Ducasse (Massachusetts)

In case you couldn’t tell during their playoff game against the Vikings, in which Tony Romo was sacked 6 times, the Cowboys at least need some depth at the offensive line position. All 5 of their starting offensive lineman from last year are currently 30 or older. Ducasse can play both guard positions, in addition to right tackle, and possibly left tackle. He’s also 340 pounds and the Cowboys like their offensive lineman big.

60. San Diego Chargers- Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech)

Its safe to say after his awful stinker of a season, in which he averaged 3.3 YPA, LT won’t be back next season. The Chargers can safe money by cutting him so I wouldn’t be surprised if they cut him. Even if they don’t cut him, he’s not going to be around much longer so I would be really surprised if they didn’t draft a running back in the first 3 rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft. Dwyer is the best available.

61. New York Jets- RLB Ricky Sapp (Clemson)

I’ve mocked a wide receiver here in recent weeks, but reports say that the Jets will use their 1^st/3^rd tender on Braylon Edwards, which means unless someone is stupid enough to give up their 1^st and 3^rd for Braylon Edwards, Edwards is going to stay in town next year. He could be upgraded, but if the Jets are willing to use their 1^st/3^rd tender on him, they probably believe in his abilities, so defensive minded Coach Rex Ryan will focus on defense here. If the Jets can get a good rush linebacker prospect in the first 3 rounds of the NFL draft, they’ll cut Vernon Gholston and his 0 career sacks and start over at the position. Sapp has experience at both defensive end and outside linebacker making him an ideal fit as a rush linebacker.

62. Minnesota Vikings- DE Greg Hardy (Mississippi)

The Vikings like to take risks with their picks. Hardy has first round talent, but there are major questions about his health and motivation. Maybe falling to the end of the 2^nd round will motivate him. The Vikings could have a major steal here if Hardy pans out and that would make their defensive line that much more dangerous. Ray Edwards is a free agent so they need to look at potential replacements.

63. Indianapolis Colts- DT Mike Neal (Purdue)

They drafted Fili Moala in the 2^nd round last year, but he only had 8 tackles this year, 5 in the last two games when they weren’t even trying. Even if by some miracle he pans out, they will still need an upgrade inside next to him and Neal fits the scheme well as a one gap penetrator. 

64. New Orleans Saints- RB Joe McKnight (USC)

Reggie Bush was an important part of their Super Bowl win. However, he’s also owed 12 million dollars next year. Unless he agrees to a pay cut, not out of the question, they will be looking for replacements for him in the NFL Draft, in an attempt to be able to cut him. McKnight can do most of the things Bush can, at a much cheaper rate.

65. St. Louis Rams- OLB Navarro Bowman (Penn State)

They traded Will Witherspoon midseason and replaced him with Paris Lenon and, no surprised, afterwards, their defense really sucked. Lenon is a free agent anyway. The Rams have bigger needs like their defensive line, but Bowman has big upside if he can stop getting into off the field trouble.

66. Detroit Lions- CB Jerome Murphy (South Florida)

The Lions can’t go through the first 3 rounds of the draft and not draft a cornerback and I think they know that. Their pass defense was horrendous last year. If they can’t get Kyle Wilson, who they like a lot, in the 2^nd, a guy like Jerome Murphy would make sense here at the top of the 3^rd.

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- OLB Dekoda Watson (Florida State)

The Bucs released Derrick Brooks and Cato June last offseason and replaced them with a former safety and the oft injured Angelo Crowell. Wow, I wonder why they sucked on defense this year. Assuming they transition back to a Tampa 2 style defense, Watson would be a great fit for their defense. He isn’t very big, but he has great speed and had a good Senior Bowl making several plays on outside runs.

68. Kansas City Chiefs- WR Jordan Shipley (Texas)

The Chiefs went through about 8 wide receivers opposite Dwayne Bowe this season until they finally found Chris Chambers who worked for them. Chambers is now a free agent and might not be back and even if he is, they don’t have much depth below him. Shipley would fit the scheme well. He would be able to be a sure handed guy for Matt Cassel to catch his short stuff the way Wes Welker was in New England.

69. Oakland Raiders- QB Jevan Snead (Mississippi)

As soon as Al Davis sees how far straight down field Snead can throw a football, he’ll be in love. Snead would be a perfect fit for the genius Raiders scheme, which consists of a guy with a strong arm throwing the ball straight down field to a bunch of fast guys and hoping one of them catches it.

70. Philadelphia Eagles- S Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech)

Sean Jones wasn’t very good this season so the Eagles, who don’t have a bunch of needs, could take Burnett here to be a potential upgrade for Jones. Burnett is a 2^nd round talent who is a bit of a steal here.

71. Cleveland Browns- QB Tony Pike (Cincinnati)

The Browns will take a quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft. They might not do it early, but they will do it eventually. Brady Quinn hasn’t had enough of a chance to be written off as a bust, but he also hasn’t been good enough for the Browns to be confident going into next season without a backup plan in case Quinn continues to stink and by backup plan I do not mean Derek Anderson. If Derek Anderson has to throw any more football for the Browns, the citizens of Cleveland will have to be on high alert for flying footballs heading their way. Pike would fit their scheme well.

72. Buffalo Bills- 3-4 DE Tyson Alualu (California)

No left tackle or quarterback available that is worth taking here so the Bills will have to go to another need. The Bills are transitioning schemes this offseason and have absolutely no personnel for it. Alualu could be a week 1 starter in a 3-4 because of his experience in a 3-4 at Cal. He’s a great high motor player who is also a great locker room presence.

73. Miami Dolphins- WR Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech)

The Dolphins drafted Patrick Turner in the 3^rd round last year, but I think Parcells knows that was a mistake. You can’t get them all right. They need a good receiver with true #1 abilities. Thomas has the size that none of the Dolphins receivers have and he has experience in a weird style offense like the Dolphins run.

74. Jacksonville Jaguars- CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers)

This pick could be moved up to get Tebow, but in this mock I am not predicting trades so I have the Jags taking Tebow in the first because they can’t risk hoping he stays on the board until the 3^rd. Owner Wayne Weaver thinks that Tebow is the only way his team will make enough money in the next few years to stay in town and I kind of agree with him. That being said, they were awful on defense here so if the have to take Tebow at 10, this pick must be either a cornerback or defensive end. McCourty is the best available at either of those positions.

75. Chicago Bears- G Mike Johnson (Alabama)

Matt Forte really struggled last season, but that’s not all his fault. He had a grand total of one hole opened up from him last season. Offensive guard will be high on the Bears long list of offseason needs and Johnson represents good value here. He has the experience and ability to play both guard positions and right tackle.

76. New York Giants- DT Vince Oghobaase (Duke)

The Giants’ two top defensive tackles from last year are free agents and given how much Jerry Reese likes to build in the trenches I would be very surprised if he passed on Oghobaase here. He fits what the Giants look for in a defensive tackle in terms of his pass rushing ability and he could have gone in the 2^nd so getting him in the mid 3^rd makes sense.

77. Tennessee Titans- DE Austin Lane (Murray State)

Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse could leave as free agents this offseason leaving them thin at the defensive end position. The Titans could address other needs here, but the defensive end position doesn’t have a ton of depth this year and Lane is one of the last ones that has a lot of upside as a future starter.

78. Carolina Panthers- TE Rob Gronkowski (Arizona)

The Panthers need an upgrade at tight end. Gronkowski is a risk coming off of back surgery, but if he had returned to school and had another good year, he would have been a lock 1^st round pick in 2011.

79. San Francisco 49ers- RLB Eric Norwood (South Carolina)

The Niners had a great pass rush last year, but they didn’t have anyone with more than 6.5 sacks so they still lack that elite pass rusher. Norwood would fit as a rush linebacker. He could also slide inside and play middle linebacker if necessary. Mike Singletary will like his discipline, work ethic, and fundamentals.

80. Denver Broncos- QB Colt McCoy (Texas)

There’s a chance Kyle Orton leaves in free agency. If that happens, the Broncos will need a quarterback. Josh McDaniels will see McCoy as the best quarterback since Kyle Orton with his uncanny ability to complete 5-10 yard throws.

81. Houston Texans- RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford)

Houston has major running back troubles, especially on the goal line. If they could have converted a few goal line plays, they would have been 11-5 last year. Gerhart can, at the very least, be a goal line back.

82. Pittsburgh Steelers- OT Kyle Calloway (Iowa)

More offensive line help for one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year, Calloway is strictly a right tackle, but he’s one of the best right tackles in the draft class. He fits what the Steelers look for in a tackle, good mauling size, and good work ethic.

83. Atlanta Falcons- DE Brandon Lang (Troy)

After 3 years and 2.5 sacks, Jamaal Anderson, the former 8^th overall pick, is officially a bust. They need to replace him in the starting lineup and may want to cut him as well. They drafted Lawrence Sidbury in the mid rounds last year, but he’s only a nickel rusher and they only got 28 sacks last year anyway. If they go cornerback in the first, this pick has to be a defensive end, even if Lang is a bit of a reach.

84. Cincinnati Bengals- CB Javier Arenas (Alabama)

The Bengals are so desperate for a kick returner and cornerback depth that they are considering signing Adam Pacman Jones. Arenas is more talented and less crazy. Plus, he’s also Gilbert Arenas’ cousin and Gilbert Arenas could come shoot up the locker room if Arenas is on the team next year and the Bengals seem to like that element of danger in a player.

85. Oakland Raiders- WR Taylor Price (Ohio)

Taylor Price could run a 4.3 40 at 6-1 199. This makes him a great player. He is almost as good as Darrius Heyward Bey.

86. Green Bay Packers- DE Corey Wootton (Northwestern)

The Packers need some 3-4 defense line depth and are always ones to look for best available. Wootton could have gone in the 2^nd round so they’ll see him as a value here.

87. Philadelphia Eagles- G John Jerry (Mississippi)

Andy Reid likes drafting massive offensive linemen and with Shawn Andrew’s future in doubt, they need some interior line help. Jerry is a massive run blocker at 335 pounds. Watch out for him at the combine; he’ll be the one making the ground shake when he runs the 40.

88. Baltimore Ravens- WR Andre Roberts (Citadel)

The Ravens don’t need just one wide receiver. If Derrick Mason isn’t back next year, they’ll need two. Roberts is a good value here after his impressive performance at Senior Bowl practices. He reminds me a lot of Austin Collie who was a 4^th round steal last year.

89. Arizona Cardinals- NT Linval Joseph (East Carolina)

The Cardinals don’t have a true nose tackle on the roster. If they did, they could transition full time to the 3-4, which their personnel is better suited for. Joseph may seem like a reach, but if they wait until the 4^th they’ll have to make a bigger reach. Because of how many teams now use the 3-4, the nose tackle class is going to get very thin very fast this year.

90. Dallas Cowboys- OT Jared Veldheer (Hillsdale)

Continuing to add some youth to one of the oldest offensive lines in the league, the Cowboys take the massive kid from a tiny school, Jared Veldheer. Veldheer is 6-9 325 and certainly fits what the Cowboys look for in terms of an offensive lineman. He was one of, if not the most dominant offensive tackle in Division I-AA over the last 4 years and didn’t miss a single start in his 4 years at Hillsdale.

91. San Diego Chargers- OT Ciron Black (LSU)

We can’t blame LT solely for the Chargers inability to run last year. Their run blocking was horrendous, especially on the right side of their line. Black isn’t much of a pass blocker, but he would be an upgrade as a run blocking right tackle for this team.

92. Cleveland Browns- RLB Jason Worilds (Virginia Tech)

Another rush linebacker is needed opposite Kameron Wimbley. Worilds has good upside as a rush linebacker, but has yet to put it all together as a pass rusher.

93. Minnesota Vikings- C JD Walton (Baylor)

Why did a running back as good as Adrian Peterson struggle late in the season? Poor interior blocking had something to do with it. John Sullivan really did a poor job replacing Matt Birk and with All-American first teamer JD Walton available here, they should take him to upgrade their center position.

94. Indianapolis Colts- DE Jermaine Cunningham (Florida)

Both Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are free agents next offseason. Cunningham would fit their zone style defense well. He also fits what they look for in terms of a high motor player.

95. New Orleans Saints- DT Geno Atkins (Georgia)

The Saints take a depth at the defensive tackle position was evident when Sedrick Ellis went down and they couldn’t stop the run, but they also needed an upgrade next to him even when he was healthy. Atkins had a great Senior Bowl and would be a good value here with good upside. 

1. St. Louis Rams 1-15

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, unless the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future. Many will argue Ndamukong Suh here, but, as dominant of a prospect he is, he doesn’t have the positional value here. History has shown, if a team needs a left tackle or quarterback early in the draft, they will take that above all else, even the consensus top prospect. Remember Glenn Dorsey? How about Aaron Curry? Here’s some facts. Since 1998, 36 players have gone in the top three overall. 15 have been quarterbacks, 6 have been offensive tackles, and 6 have been defensive ends. That’s only 25% that aren’t quarterbacks, offensive tackles, or defensive ends. When you look closer, all 12 #1 overall picks since 1998 have been quarterback, offensive tackles, or defensive end. Those positions just have so much more positional value than any other. The Rams don’t need an offensive tackle or defensive end, so it’ll be quarterback here. Right now, other mock drafters seem to be split 50/50 on Clausen and Suh. For more information check out our NFL Mock Draft Database.

2. Detroit Lions 2-14

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they have the tendency to take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player, by far, and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 21st against the run, although they have looked better over the past few weeks. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development. But, you can’t really blame the Lions for taking the best available player, especially when he’s a player that is as dominant at his position as Ndamukong Suh. Only 1 defensive tackle has gone in the top three since 1998, but Suh is that good.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

The Bucs want to build around their defensive line. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available. He’s not the dominant defensive tackle Suh is, but he’s a great finesse one gap penetrator at defensive tackle that could flourish if the Bucs decide to switch back to a Tampa 2 defensive system. The Bucs could also trade down if someone like Seattle offers enough to move up here and take a franchise left tackle like Russell Okung because, even though he’ll probably be the guy they’re targeting, they can get McCoy a few picks farther down.

4. Washington Redskins 4-12

The writing is on the wall for Jason Campbell. There’s a new head coach and a new GM in town. The guys who drafted him are gone, most of them long gone. He just happened to have his 2 worst games of his career in the last 3 weeks of this season and now he’s a restricted free agent. Even if the Redskins tender him a contract, they’ll likely trade him to the highest bidder and even if he isn’t traded, he’ll likely only be back on a one year deal to be a stop gap while a young quarterback waits to take over in 2011, a smart idea. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford has a lot of issues, namely his injured shoulder and the system he played in during college, but if history is any indicator, there’s a good chance he sneaks up into the top 5. Last year, I had Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman in the 2^nd round at this points. Sanchez went 5^th and Freeman went 17^th. Why? If a team needs a quarterback in the first round, chances are they take one even if it’s a reach. There are way too many teams with needs at the quarterback position this year, including Washington, for guys like Bradford and Tim Tebow, who look like borderline 1^st round picks on paper, to not go in the top 15.

5. Kansas City Chiefs 4-12

Brandan Albert was one of the worst starting left tackles in the league this year and he’s movable, either by trade or more likely to a different position, for many reasons. He doesn’t have a large contract. The regime that drafted him is no longer in town. He has versatility position wise and can also play right tackle or left guard in addition to left tackle. There’s a very good chance that Albert isn’t their left tackle next year and if Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is still available at #5, I would be very surprised if they didn’t draft him. The only reason I can see them passing on Okung is if they have their mind set on signing Matt Light in 2011 in an attempt to recreate the 2003 New England Patriots. I hear Ty Law and Troy Brown are still looking for work.

6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

Pete Carroll could go a number of ways with his two first round picks. He could go best available. He could draft for need. He could value getting his own franchise quarterback above anything and with the way Matt Hasselbeck played at the end of the season last year, that might not be a bad idea. He could value drafting former USC players above anything. However, there’s one thing that I think is certain. If a player as good as Tennessee FS Eric Berry is available at #6, Carroll, unless he’s completely inept, is going to take him. Carroll knows talent obviously as shown by his major success at USC and I highly doubt he passes on someone as talented as Eric Berry.

7. Cleveland Browns 5-11

This is where the draft hits a crossroad. I have no idea what the Browns are going to do here. Eric Mangini didn’t draft his own guy at quarterback last year in his first offseason and with new team president Mike Holmgren, there’s a chance they go that direction, but I doubt they’ll reach for Tim Tebow to do it, especially with how much Eric Mangini enjoyed drafting random positions last year. Plus, I don’t think we’ve seen enough of Brady Quinn to call him a bust yet. I think the Browns will either draft down or go best available, but the problem is, determining who I believe they will see as best available. This pick could very well be Derrick Morgan, but he’s not a good fit for the 3-4 defense, so I won’t mock him here unless I here something from Cleveland saying that the coaching staff believes him to have the ability to play rush linebacker. Rolando McClain makes sense and I’ve actually had him here at this spot before, but then again, 3-4 middle linebackers rarely go top 10. Even Patrick Willis slipped to #11. That leaves Dez Bryant and Joe Haden, a wide receiver and a cornerback. I’ll go with Florida CB Joe Haden for now because Mangini obviously enjoys less valuable positions  like cornerback…or center, but don’t quote me on this one just yet.

8. Oakland Raiders 5-11

JaMarcus Russell could be easily replaced with a large sack of potatoes with a Raiders Jersey on it and no one would notice. Because of that, quarterback is a major possibility here, especially if Tebow runs a fast 40 like Al Davis likes, but I don’t think his arm is quite strong enough for Davis’ liking. Davis would have likely drafted USC FS Taylor Mays at #7 last year if he hadn’t returned to school. While at school, Mays’ flaws were exposed in a big way, but of course Al Davis hasn’t noticed because he’s been dead for 3 years. If Mays can live up to his measurables, 6-3 230 4.3, he’s a very good candidate to go here.

9. Buffalo Bills 6-10

Alabama MLB Rolando McClain is the best available player here, but I could never mock him to the Bills at 9 before because, despite their major need for a middle linebacker and someone to help stop the run, McClain doesn’t have top ten pick value as a 4-3 middle linebacker. However, now that the Bills have switched to a 3-4 with a new regime in town, it becomes more likely that they will draft McClain here. The first thing a new regime will do when it comes to town, after bringing in their own guy at quarterback if they feel it necessary, will be getting guys to fit their system, especially if they drastically change the system, like from a 4-3 zone to a 3-4. They don’t have anyone who fits the 3-4 middle linebacker position on their roster because all of their linebackers are too small, as they could be in a zone 4-3. McClain helps a team that was 31^st in the league against the run not become worse this year, and also is the best available player.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-9

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver pretty much promised that the Jags would draft in state Florida QB Tim Tebow in the first round in an attempt to sell more tickets and save the franchise’s future in Jacksonville. He seems to have forgotten that the Jags already have a good quarterback, David Garrard, who has a 60% completion percentage in each of his four years as starter as well as 59 touchdowns to 35 picks, but I guess the Jags will do what they have to do to make Jacksonville football fans, who clearly don’t care, come to the stadium, rather than moving the team to a city that deserves a franchise like San Antonio or Los Angeles. Despite what media is saying, Tim Tebow’s Senior Bowl performance was neutral. He had some nice throws, some bad throws, but for the most part played out of an offense similar to what he played in at Florida so we can’t really make a judgement. However, all that being said, I think this pick will most likely be traded. The Jags really don’t have to worry about anyone else taking Tebow between now and Minnesota at 29, so they can trade down with a team like Philly who would be interested in taking Derrick Morgan here, and get themselves a 2^nd round pick and another pick in the process. The Jags, in addition to not selling tickets, sucked on defense last year and if they take Tebow here instead of trading down, they’ll have to wait until the 3^rd round to fill a defensive need.

11. Denver Broncos 8-8 (via CHI)

With McClain off the board, I think the Broncos will take Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant. The Broncos desperately need to upgrade their front 7, but McDaniels isn’t going to reach for front 7 players like Terrence Cody or Jared Odrick or Jerry Hughes. McDaniels prefers to reach for players at other positions. There’s a very good chance that Brandon Marshall is traded/allowed to be signed by another team in exchange for draft picks. He wants to come back, but McDaniels doesn’t want him back because he’s too talented. The Broncos can’t go into 2010 with the same receiving corps they had week 17 without Marshall. They had no deep target and just threw short passes all week. Even the Chiefs weren’t fooled by that and destroyed the Broncos at home, knocking them out of the playoffs.

12. Miami Dolphins 7-9

I’ve had them taking a nose tackle in recent weeks, but the more I think about it, the more I think Bill Parcells will love South Florida RLB Jason Pierre Paul. JPP would be a perfect fit for his scheme at rush linebacker, where they do need help, and he has great upside. If the Dolphins sign Elvis Dumervil in the offseason, he wants to follow Mike Nolan to Miami and he’s from Miami, then this pick will be a nose tackle once again, but I don’t think Parcells will pass on JPP. The fact that they will likely release Joey Porter makes this move make more sense.

13. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis is the best available tackle here and he’s too good for the Niners to pass on at 13. He’s very raw, but he’s also 20 years old only, and has only two years experience playing tackle and already he’s a very strong mauling blocker and a good right tackle at best. However, he has the upside to be an elite left tackle as well.

14. Seattle Seahawks 5-11 (via DEN)

Pete Carroll has a pretty easy first round of his first NFL draft since returning to the NFL this year, huh? Just take the guy who is glaringly the best player available and fills a major need. Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard. Campbell is a steal here.

15. New York Giants 8-8

As weird as it may sound, the Giants only had 32 sacks last season, despite all of the money they have invested in their defensive line. Now, Osi Umenyiora wants out because he’s insulted that he was turned into a 3^rd round rusher alone late last season. There’s a good chance they either cut him to take his large cap number off of the payroll, or trade him to a team like St. Louis who needs a veteran defensive line leader. Osi has also had his best success under Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, the former Giants defensive coordinator. If Osi leaves, they’ll definitely have to look for more help on the defensive line and even if he stays, they might consider Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan here simply because Giants GM Jerry Reese is such a fan of the best player available strategy when it comes to drafting.

16. Tennessee Titans 8-8

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starting corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. I think this is the farthest Tennessee DT Dan Williams falls. As weird as it may seem, he’s a do everything nose tackle. He’s 325 pounds, but has experience playing in a system similar to the one the Titans run now and he’s also an in-state college kid. He is mobile enough to play in Tennessee’s system and, though he’s not the pass rusher Haynesworth was, he can be the big mobile body that Haynesworth was in the middle of their defense a couple of years ago and free things up for the guys on the outside. He’d be a great compliment to their roster full of sub 300 pound defensive tackles.

17. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. I don’t think Shawntae Spencer is the answer either, but with Nate Clements reportedly moving to free safety next year, Spencer is probably going to start another year. Regardless, they would still need a corner to play opposite him. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is shooting up draft boards this season, after a down year last season. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run which Mike Singletary will love.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

Its painfully obvious that the Steelers need offensive line help after giving up 20 sacks to the Browns, Packers, Ravens, and Dolphins in the last 4 weeks of the season. However, they’ve needed offensive line help for years and haven’t done anything about it. Plus, its also painfully obvious that Mike Tomlin doesn’t trust his defense, even more painfully obvious than their offensive line is bad. Mike Tomlin tried an onside kick with a 2 point lead in a game late in the season against the Packers because he didn’t trust his defense to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Packers would recover and score and if it weren’t for late game heroics from Big Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin would have been the laughing stock of the NFL. That is how far this defense has fallen since being one of the best in history last year. The biggest reason for their defensive struggles has been Troy Polamalu’s injuries. In the 5 games in which he has played, the Steelers were 4-1 and allowed 13.8 points per game. In the games he missed, they gave up 23.2 and were consequently 5-6. Their lack of a good safety opposite him is obvious. Texas FS Earl Thomas is probably the best player available and the Steelers have shown in recent years that they are fans of the best player available strategy drafting guys like Rashard Mendenhall and Evander Hood in the first round even when they weren’t their biggest needs.

19. Atlanta Falcons 9-7

After 3 years and 2.5 sacks, I think it’s time for the Falcons to write former #8 overall pick Jamaal Anderson off as a bust and start fresh at the defensive end position opposite John Abraham. They got burnt through the air a lot this season and a lot of that had to do with their poor cornerback play since Brian Williams’ injury, but their 28 sacks as a team didn’t help. USC DE Everson Griffen has all the talent of a #1 defensive end in the future, but he just needs to put it all together. He could actually go top 10 if he runs a sub 4.6 40 at 275 pounds, which I think would be a mistake because his production in college to this point has been limited. However, there’s no question he could be a future #1 defensive end.

20. Houston Texans 9-7

In Gary Kubiak’s four years as head coach, he has drafted either offensive or defensive line in the first round 3 times, Mario Williams in 2006, Amobi Okoye in 2007, and Duane Brown in 2008. The Texans had major problems running the ball last year and need big upgrades at offensive guard, so they will strongly consider taking Idaho OG Mike Iupati, one of the best guard prospects in a long time, in the first round. With no good defensive backs available and no clear best available player, I think Kubiak goes back and drafts inside.

21. Cincinnati Bengals 10-7

The Bengals proved by signing Matt Jones that they are not done taking chances on guys with character problems, even though the team played well last year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, Cedric Benson looked like the MVP of the league before he got hurt and Larry Johnson helped the Bengals late last year when Benson was hurt and 2009 2^nd round pick Rey Maualuga who dropped for character reasons was in the running for defensive player of the year this season. Florida DE Carlos Dunlap has an awful work ethic and recently was arrested for drunk driving, but those things are like turn ons to whoever if drafting for the Bengals. Antawn Odom is talented when healthy, but he rarely is so, assuming Michael Johnson doesn’t pan out, the Bengals still need a right end of the future and Dunlap, who has athleticism, 6-6 290 4.7, could be that guy if he straightens himself out. The signing of Matt Jones makes their need for a wide receiver lesser so I doubt they reach for one here.

22. New England Patriots 10-7

As a Patriots fan, the Pats’ defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him against New Orleans and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^nd round to work with. Clemson RB CJ Spiller would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well. They’re also always a candidate to trade down.

23. Green Bay Packers 10-7

The Packers have done a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available left tackle. He had injury issues this year, but has all the physical tools to be an elite left tackle in the NFL and he has the athleticism and familiarity to play in the Packers zone blocking scheme.

24. Philadelphia Eagles 11-6

Andy Reid is still the coach of the Eagles and he likes to take big defensive linemen. They need an every down left end, which they lack right now. Reid will not shy away from taking one, especially if Michigan DE Brandon Graham is still available. He fits what the Eagles look for in a defensive end, tenacious and never quitting and a good bull rusher. He could be a ten sack guy in the future in the Eagles system opposite Trent Cole.

25. Baltimore Ravens 10-8

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. USC WR Damian Williams is the best available at a position of huge need and is the logical pick here.

26. Arizona Cardinals 11-7

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future.

27. Dallas Cowboys 12-6

Jerry Jones is always looking for the big name and Alabama NT Terrence Cody was one of the biggest names in college football last year because of his trademark large gut. Jay Ratliff made the Pro Bowl last year as a nose tackle, but, as good as he was, he was playing out of position all year. He needs to move back to that 3-4 defensive end position. Ratliff is an excellent pass rusher for his size, but he’s not the big nose tackle, that commands two lineman, pushes the pocket, and serves as a shield for linebackers to come in and get into the backfield. Terrence Cody is and they need that. Cody would command two blockers and make things a lot easier for Ratliff on the outside and make him even more deadly. It would also free things up more for DeMarcus Ware, not like he needed to get freed up more, but, it can’t hurt.

28. San Diego Chargers 13-4

The Chargers’ top 2 receivers, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd, are both free agents after this season. Even if they are able to bring both back Floyd is average at best. They could use another receiver here. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is the best available receiver for a team that doesn’t have a ton of needs. They are a pass heavy team so they need to get good young receivers for Phillip Rivers. LaFell is 6-4 and the Chargers like big receivers.

29. New York Jets 11-8

Trading for Mark Sanchez was the right longterm move for the franchise, especially given how little they had to give up to move up to get him. One player they did give up was Kenyon Coleman. He is a 3-4 defensive end, so he’s absence did not hurt them a ton, especially when you consider they got a franchise quarterback, but they still do need to replace him. Penn State DE Jared Odrick plays defensive tackle in college, but would be a natural fit for this team at 3-4 defensive end, which is a big need where they have a major hole.

30. Minnesota Vikings 13-5

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but I doubt the Vikings would reach a quarterback in this situation, especially since all of the quarterbacks available here could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in UCLA DT Brian Price, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Price is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely. He should be able to capitalize on his 7 sacks this season and get drafted in the first round as the 3^rd defensive tackle off the board.

31. Indianapolis Colts 16-3

Little known Charlie Johnson did a decent job of protecting Peyton Manning’s blindside this year, though with a quarterback as smart as Manning, its not hard to look good protecting him. Still, Johnson, who was decent, but not great, is a free agent this offseason, and the Colts are a team that tends to use the strategy of best available when it comes to drafting. USC OT Charles Brown would be a perfect fit for their zone blocking scheme and he’s too talented to slip much further. He would be an upgrade over Johnson and a more longterm fix for the Colts. 

32. New Orleans Saints 16-3

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game. If it weren’t for Brandon Graham, Weatherspoon would be the MVP of the Senior Bowl. He looked excellent doing everything from getting into the backfield, to covering a much faster man and breaking up the pass, to getting a late interception.

33. St. Louis Rams- WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

If the Rams draft Jimmy Clausen, they better get him someone to throw to. Who better than Golden Tate, his leading receiver at Notre Dame over the past two years, who also happens to be the best available receiver. Tate should continue to be Clausen’s favorite target next year if the two remain teammates.

34. Detroit Lions- CB Kyle Wilson (Boise State)

The Lions use the best available strategy and Wilson definitely earned himself consideration in the early 2^nd round with his performance in the Senior Bowl, where he was one of the most impressive cornerbacks. The Lions coaching staff, who coached the North team that Wilson was on, had very good things to say about him. The Lions should draft a left tackle here, but they are in love with Jeff Backus and believe that he should have even gotten Pro Bowl votes. Trent Williams or Jason Fox are still possibility, but I think they’ll go with Wilson here, who is likely to be the highest ranked player on their draft board and would also help their miserable pass defense.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest)

The Bucs pick again in a few picks so they will go with someone here who not only fills a need, but also won’t be available in a few picks. They need a defensive end and a wide receiver, but there isn’t really one here that they can’t in a few picks. They also need cornerback help and Ghee is the best cornerback available He is another guy who raised his stock at the Senior Bowl. He’s very raw, but he got great potential and head coach Raheem Morris, a former defensive backs coach, would love the opportunity to try to bring the most of out Ghee. He’s not likely to be available in a few picks.

36. Kansas City Chiefs- OLB Jerry Hughes (TCU)

The Chiefs more than doubled their sack total in 2009! That would be amazing if it weren’t for the fact that they only had 10 sacks in 2008. They need an elite #1 pass rusher and luckily for them, Jerry Hughes falls out of fear that he’ll bust. Many rush linebacker prospects have busted in recent years because they are learning a new position (see Vernon Gholston). The Chiefs can afford to take a risk on Hughes here, in fact they can’t afford not to take a risk on him.

37. Washington Redskins- RB Jahvid Best (California)

Daniel Snyder is such a fan of big names and selling tickets that, even with their offensive line issues, he’s not going to be able to pass on Best here. Best would compliment an aging Clinton Portis well and would be an excellent fit in new coach ike Shanahan’s zone style offense.

38. Cleveland Browns- MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Again, Eric Mangini is unpredictable as a drafter. He’ll probably trade down 5 times and draft a kicker, but I’ll give him some credit and assume he’ll just take best available. Spikes would fit their 3-4 defense really well and give them a much needed upgrade inside next to D’Qwell Jackson.

39. Oakland Raiders- OT Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

They are only rumors, but Trent Williams may have once run a 4.85 40 in practice at 6-5 315. If he’s anywhere near that fast at the combine, speed crazy Al Davis will take him here in the 2^nd round. At least he’ll be an upgrade over Mario Henderson. Actually, this isn’t a bad pick.

40. Seattle Seahawks- DT LaMarr Houston (Texas)

The Seahawks have a ton of needs, an interior line pass rusher, a defensive end, a wide receiver, a running back, a cornerback, a quarterback, that they can just take the best available at any of those positions from now on. There’s a good chance they view LaMarr Houston as that. He had a very good Senior Bowl.

41. Buffalo Bills- NT Cam Thomas (North Carolina)

The Bills were 31^st in the league against the run out of 32 teams last year. Now they are switching to a 3-4. If they can’t get a big nose tackle to center their 3-4 around, they could be even worse against the run next year. Cam Thomas is a 3^rdround prospect in my book, but after a huge Senior Bowl, and in a weak nose tackle class, he has the potential to go here.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois)

Head coach Raheem Morris said that his #1 priority this offseason is building around Josh Freeman. That would require him getting him someone to throw to. Even if they resign Antonio Bryant to a longterm deal, bad idea, they still need a good #2 receiver. Benn didn’t have the most productive season this year, though some of that could be attributed to having Juice Williams at quarterback, but, as Mohammed Massaquoi proved last year, that doesn’t matter. If you are extremely athletic and have great upside, you are a 2^nd round prospect.

43. Miami Dolphins- WR Jeremy Williams (Tulane)

Chad Henne really need a true #1 wide receiver. No more some different guy leading the team in receiving every game, no more, on again, off again, Ted Ginn Jr, a true #1 wide receiver. Williams is the best receiver available and has great upside if he can stay healthy. He had a great Senior Bowl week.

44. New England Patriots- 3-4 DE Mike Neal (Purdue)

Again, they’ll probably trade down, but Neal would be a good fit for their defense. They need a longterm replacement for Richard Seymour and Neal is a prototypical 3-4 defense end.

45. Denver Broncos- DE Arthur Jones (Syracuse)

As mentioned in the first round, the Broncos flat out sucked against the run in the 2^nd half of last season. Losing defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is only going to hurt this team against the run (yes, I did just say something good about Mike Nolan, horrible coach, excellent defensive coordinator). If McDaniels is a capable drafter (based on his 2009 showing I’m not so sure) he’ll focus 2 early picks on the front 7 in an effort finally make this team decent against the run.

46. New York Giants- SS Chad Jones (LSU)

The Giants gave up the 13^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 3rd most points. That means they gave up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they couldn’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Jones is the best available safety.

47. New England Patriots (via JAC)- RLB Sergio Kindle (Texas)

Bill Belicheck seems hesitant to draft a rush linebacker, which is weird because he’s never hesitant to do anything. It must be because of how few of the defensive ends switching to rush linebacker actually pan out. For more on that, click here. However, he can’t hesitate anymore, the Pats only managed 31 sacks all last year and their pass defense suffered because of it. Kindle is a safe bet here because he has experience playing standing up at outside linebacker at Texas, in addition to playing defensive end, so he is going to be comfortable in coverage and blitzing from an outside position. Again, for more on why drafting rush linebackers with experience at outside linebacker is important, click the link above. Kindle also has huge upside.

48. Carolina Panthers- WR Eric Decker (Minnesota)

Part of the reason for Jake Delhomme’s struggles last year was because he had no one to throw to except Steve Smith. Matt Moore appears to be the quarterback of the future for this team so they’ll need to get him someone to compliment Smith. Decker would be perfect for the job because he’s a consistent possession receiver, whereas Smith is an inconsistent deep threat.  

49. San Francisco 49ers-RB Dexter McCluster (Mississippi)

I’ve heard rumors about the Niners possibly taking CJ Spiller in the first round, but when they have other needs, why would they take a luxury guy like Spiller in the first, especially when they can take McCluster in the 2^nd. I can’t say for sure where McCluster is going, because he would fit so many teams, but he can definitely help the Niners in many ways. He can be their Percy Harvin. He can be a 3^rd round back, a slot receiver, and help in the return game. Just put the ball in his hands and good things could happen.

50. Kansas City Chiefs (via ATL)- TE Aaron Hernandez (Florida)

The Chiefs got this pick from Atlanta for Tony Gonzalez. They might want to consider using it on a replacement tight end, because Matt Cassel needs more guys to throw to. Scott Pioli could be partial to Hernandez over guys like Dennis Pitta and Rob Gronkowski because he reminds people of Ben Watson, who he worked with in New England.

51. Houston Texans- FS Nate Allen (South Florida)

The Texans need a big time defensive back with good hands. Though a cornerback would be preferable, its going to be hard for them to pass on a steal like Nate Allen.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers- G Maurkice Pouncey (Florida)

The Steelers need offensive line upgrades. Pouncey, at 319 pounds, is the physical type lineman that the Steelers like. He can play 4 positions on the line, including center and right tackle, in addition to both guard spots.

53. New England Patriots- WR Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas)

Randy Moss has only one year left on his contract and based on his effort last year and the Patriots early playoff exit, there’s a good chance they either trade or cut him this offseason. They would need a deep threat to compliment either Wes Welker or Julian Edelman, depending on whether or not Welker can play. Briscoe would fit the scheme extremely well because he played in a similar scheme and had huge numbers at Kansas last year.

54. Cincinnati Bengals- WR Marshawn Gilyard (Cincinnati)

Signing Matt Jones alone isn’t going to help their offensive issues. From week 9, when Chris Henry went out with an injury to the end of the season, Carson Palmer threw for 1254 yards in 8 games, 427 coming in games against the Lions and Raiders. Chris Henry died in December after a tragic accident. RIP. However, in football, life moves on, it has to. They need a deep threat, and not a possession guy like Jones, to compliment Chad Ochocinco otherwise Palmer is doomed to have another mediocre year. In fact, as shown in the playoffs, he could be worse than mediocre next year if they don’t get a deep threat at wide receiver. Gilyard really raised his stock with a big Senior Bowl. He’s a local product and a redemption story after losing his scholarship for academic reasons early in his college career which the Bengals will like.

55. Philadelphia Eagles- OLB Daryl Washington (TCU)

The Eagles need an outside linebacker opposite Will Witherspoon next season. Daryl Washington is an excellent fundamental player and a fluid athlete and would fit the Eagles scheme perfectly.

56. Green Bay Packers- CB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State)

Cox helps the Packers in two ways. He can help as a defensive back, starting out as a nickel guy, and maybe challenging Tramon Williams for a starting job. Plus, Charles Woodson isn’t going to last forever so Cox can be their longterm replacement for him. He can also play some safety. Cox also would help in the return game.

57. Baltimore Ravens- CB Patrick Robinson (Florida State)

After Lardarius Webb got hurt, the Ravens had to start kick returner Chris Carr at cornerback. I think its safe to say they need some cornerback depth and Robinson provides good depth and upside at the position.

58. Arizona Cardinals- OT Jason Fox (Miami)

Both of the Cardinals starting tackles gave up 9 sacks last year. Kurt Warner played well through it, but Matt Leinart is nowhere near as mentally tough, so they’ll definitely need tackle help. Fox is solely a left tackle, and they might have to take one more tackle before the draft is over, but he has first round talent. He only falls here because of his lack of versatility and questions about his health, knee surgery, and heart problems.

59. Dallas Cowboys- G Vladimir Ducasse (Massachusetts)

In case you couldn’t tell during their playoff game against the Vikings, in which Tony Romo was sacked 6 times, the Cowboys at least need some depth at the offensive line position. All 5 of their starting offensive lineman from last year are currently 30 or older. Ducasse can play both guard positions, in addition to right tackle, and possibly left tackle. He’s also 340 pounds and the Cowboys like their offensive lineman big.

60. San Diego Chargers- Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech)

Its safe to say after his awful stinker of a season, in which he averaged 3.3 YPA, LT won’t be back next season. The Chargers can safe money by cutting him so I wouldn’t be surprised if they cut him. Even if they don’t cut him, he’s not going to be around much longer so I would be really surprised if they didn’t draft a running back in the first 3 rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft. Dwyer is the best available.

61. New York Jets- WR Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech)

Braylon Edwards wasn’t awful last season with the Jets with 35 catches for 541 yards and 4 touchdowns, but when you consider he was targeted 70 times you’d expect him to have done a lot more statistically. He’s a free agent this offseason and if they’re smart, they’ll only resign him if he takes a reduced rate. Luckily he has the money from his book sales to sustain him. Regardless of whether or not he is back, they could use another wide receiver, especially one with good size. Thomas’ route running could be better, but he’s big and a great deep threat. He’s also an above average run blocker which is a plus for the Jets, who run lot.

62. Minnesota Vikings- DE Greg Hardy (Mississippi)

The Vikings like to take risks with their picks. Hardy has first round talent, but there are major questions about his health and motivation. Maybe falling to the end of the 2^nd round will motivate him. The Vikings could have a major steal here if Hardy pans out and that would make their defensive line that much more dangerous. Ray Edwards is a free agent so they need to look at potential replacements.

63. Indianapolis Colts- Vince Oghobaase (Duke)

They drafted Fili Moala in the 2^nd round last year, but he only had 8 tackles this year, 5 in the last two games when they weren’t even trying. Even if by some miracle he pans out, they will still need an upgrade inside next to him and Oghobaase fits the scheme well as a one gap penetrator. 

64. New Orleans Saints- RB Joe McKnight (USC)

Reggie Bush was an important part of their Super Bowl win. However, he’s also owed 12 million dollars next year. Unless he agrees to a pay cut, not out of the question, they will be looking for replacements for him in the NFL Draft, in an attempt to be able to cut him. McKnight can do most of the things Bush can, at a much cheaper rate.

65. St. Louis Rams- OLB Navarro Bowman (Penn State)

They traded Will Witherspoon midseason and replaced him with Paris Lenon and, no surprised, afterwards, their defense really sucked. Lenon is a free agent anyway. The Rams have bigger needs like their defensive line, but Bowman has big upside if he can stop getting into off the field trouble.

66. Detroit Lions- G Mike Johnson (Alabama)

The more I think about it, the more I think the Lions will stick with Jeff Backus for another miserable year. They really seem to like him as a left tackle. They could upgrade two positions at once by taking a left tackle and moving Backus to guard, but instead they’ll just take a guard. Johnson would fit their scheme really well and help open up gaps for Kevin Smith who got a grand total of 1 gap opened up for him last year.

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- OLB Dekoda Watson (Florida State)

The Bucs released Derrick Brooks and Cato June last offseason and replaced them with a former safety and the oft injured Angelo Crowell. Wow, I wonder why they sucked on defense this year. Assuming they transition back to a Tampa 2 style defense, Watson would be a great fit for their defense. He isn’t very big, but he has great speed and had a good Senior Bowl making several plays on outside runs.

68. Kansas City Chiefs- WR Jordan Shipley (Texas)

The Chiefs went through about 8 wide receivers opposite Dwayne Bowe this season until they finally found Chris Chambers who worked for them. Chambers is now a free agent and might not be back and even if he is, they don’t have much depth below him. Shipley would fit the scheme well. He would be able to be a sure handed guy for Matt Cassel to catch his short stuff the way Wes Welker was in New England.

69. Oakland Raiders- QB Jevan Snead (Mississippi)

As soon as Al Davis sees how far straight down field Snead can throw a football, he’ll be in love. Snead would be a perfect fit for the genius Raiders scheme, which consists of a guy with a strong arm throwing the ball straight down field to a bunch of fast guys and hoping one of them catches it.

70. Philadelphia Eagles- S Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech)

Sean Jones wasn’t very good this season so the Eagles, who don’t have a bunch of needs, could take Burnett here to be a potential upgrade for Jones. Burnett is a 2^nd round talent who is a bit of a steal here.

71. Cleveland Browns- QB Tony Pike (Cincinnati)

The Browns will take a quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft. They might not do it early, but they will do it eventually. Brady Quinn hasn’t had enough of a chance to be written off as a bust, but he also hasn’t been good enough for the Browns to be confident going into next season without a backup plan in case Quinn continues to stink and by backup plan I do not mean Derek Anderson. If Derek Anderson has to throw any more football for the Browns, the citizens of Cleveland will have to be on high alert for flying footballs heading their way. Pike would fit their scheme well.

72. Buffalo Bills- 3-4 DE Tyson Alualu (California)

No left tackle or quarterback available that is worth taking here so the Bills will have to go to another need. The Bills are transitioning schemes this offseason and have absolutely no personnel for it. Alualu could be a week 1 starter in a 3-4 because of his experience in a 3-4 at Cal. He’s a great high motor player who is also a great locker room presence.

73. Miami Dolphins- NT Linval Joseph (East Carolina)

Jason Ferguson is a 35-year-old free agent coming off of a stint on the IR so nose tackle will be among the Dolphins needs this offseason. Joseph might look like a reach here, but if they wait until the 4^th, they’ll have to make an even bigger reach. This is not a very deep nose tackle class.

74. Jacksonville Jaguars- CB Domonique Joseph (Oklahoma)

Assuming the Jags are unable to trade up into the 2^nd round or down to the late 1^st to take Tebow and are forced to use the 10^th pick on him, this pick will have to be defense. Their pass defense, an every level, was so bad last year. Joseph could be a future starter for this team, unlike Derek Cox who is a nickel guy at best.

75. Chicago Bears- CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers)

The Bears have several needs that they could address here. They need a safety, a cornerback, a wide receiver, a guard, a defensive end, and a running back, but there isn’t anyone at any of those positions available that has more value than McCourty. He would fit their scheme like a glove. He had a huge Senior Bowl week to propel him into 2^nd-3^rd round consideration.

76. New York Giants- MLB Pat Angerer (Iowa)

Some guys have Anger, but this guy has angerer. Name jokes aside, the Giants just cut Antonio Pierce and need a longterm replacement.

77. Tennessee Titans- DE Austin Lane (Murray State)

Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse could leave as free agents this offseason leaving them thin at the defensive end position. The Titans could address other needs here, but the defensive end position doesn’t have a ton of depth this year and Lane is one of the last ones that has a lot of upside as a future starter.

78. Carolina Panthers- TE Rob Gronkowski (Arizona)

The Panthers need an upgrade at tight end. Gronkowski is a risk coming off of back surgery, but if he had returned to school and had another good year, he would have been a lock 1^st round pick in 2011.

79. San Francisco 49ers- RLB Eric Norwood (South Carolina)

The Niners had a great pass rush last year, but they didn’t have anyone with more than 6.5 sacks so they still lack that elite pass rusher. Norwood would fit as a rush linebacker. He could also slide inside and play middle linebacker if necessary. Mike Singletary will like his discipline, work ethic, and fundamentals.

80. Denver Broncos- QB Colt McCoy (Texas)

There’s a chance Kyle Orton leaves in free agency. If that happens, the Broncos will need a quarterback. Josh McDaniels will see McCoy as the best quarterback since Kyle Orton with his uncanny ability to complete 5-10 yard throws.

81. Houston Texans- RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford)

Houston has major running back troubles, especially on the goal line. If they could have converted a few goal line plays, they would have been 11-5 last year. Gerhart can, at the very least, be a goal line back.

82. Pittsburgh Steelers- OT Kyle Calloway (Iowa)

More offensive line help for one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year, Calloway is strictly a right tackle, but he’s one of the best right tackles in the draft class. He fits what the Steelers look for in a tackle, good mauling size, and good work ethic.

83. Atlanta Falcons- CB Jerome Murphy (South Florida)

The Falcons couldn’t stop the pass at all last year. Getting a defensive end in the first will help, but they need at least 1, if not two, upgrades in their secondary. Murphy has great size and could have gone 10-15 picks earlier.

84. Cincinnati Bengals- CB Javier Arenas (Alabama)

The Bengals are so desperate for a kick returner and cornerback depth that they are considering signing Adam Pacman Jones. Arenas is more talented and less crazy.

85. Oakland Raiders- WR Taylor Price (Ohio)

Taylor Price could run a 4.3 40 at 6-1 199. This makes him a great player. He is almost as good as Darrius Heyward Bey.

86. Green Bay Packers- DE Corey Wootton (Northwestern)

The Packers need some 3-4 defense line depth and are always ones to look for best available. Wootton could have gone in the 2^nd round so they’ll see him as a value here.

87. Philadelphia Eagles- G John Jerry (Mississippi)

Andy Reid likes drafting massive offensive linemen and with Shawn Andrew’s future in doubt, they need some interior line help. Jerry is a massive run blocker at 335 pounds. Watch out for him at the combine; he’ll be the one making the ground shake when he runs the 40.

88. Baltimore Ravens- WR Andre Roberts (Citadel)

The Ravens don’t need just one wide receiver. If Derrick Mason isn’t back next year, they’ll need two. Roberts is a good value here after his impressive performance at Senior Bowl practices. He reminds me a lot of Austin Collie who was a 4^th round steal last year.

89. Arizona Cardinals- RLB Ricky Sapp (Clemson)

I know they drafted Cody Brown last year, but with Bertrand Berry retiring, they are going to need more rush linebackers, even if Brown pans out. Sapp will be considered by the Cardinals in the 2^nd so they’d be thrilled in get him here in the 3^rd.

90. Dallas Cowboys- OT Jared Veldheer (Hillsdale)

Continuing to add some youth to one of the oldest offensive lines in the league, the Cowboys take the massive kid from a tiny school, Jared Veldheer. Veldheer is 6-9 325 and certainly fits what the Cowboys look for in terms of an offensive lineman. He was one of, if not the most dominant offensive tackle in Division I-AA over the last 4 years and didn’t miss a single start in his 4 years at Hillsdale.

91. San Diego Chargers- OT Ciron Black (LSU)

We can’t blame LT solely for the Chargers inability to run last year. Their run blocking was horrendous, especially on the right side of their line. Black isn’t much of a pass blocker, but he would be an upgrade as a run blocking right tackle for this team.

92. Cleveland Browns- RLB Jason Worilds (Virginia Tech)

Another rush linebacker is needed opposite Kameron Wimbley. Worilds has good upside as a rush linebacker, but has yet to put it all together as a pass rusher.

93. Minnesota Vikings- C JD Walton (Baylor)

Why did a running back as good as Adrian Peterson struggle late in the season. Poor interior blocking had something to do with it. John Sullivan really did a poor job replacing Matt Birk and with All-American first teamer JD Walton available here, they should take him to upgrade their center position.

94. Indianapolis Colts- DE Jermaine Cunningham (Florida)

Both Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are free agents next offseason. Cunningham would fit their zone style defense well. He also fits what they look for in terms of a high motor player.

95. New Orleans Saints- DE Brandon Lang (Troy)

Charles Grant could be upgraded and they could save a lot of money by cutting him. Drafting a future replacement like Lang could allow them to do that.

1. St. Louis Rams 1-15

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, unless the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future. Many will argue Ndamukong Suh here, but, as dominant of a prospect he is, he doesn’t have the positional value here. History has shown, if a team needs a left tackle or quarterback early in the draft, they will take that above all else, even the consensus top prospect. Remember Glenn Dorsey? How about Aaron Curry? Here’s some facts. Since 1998, 36 players have gone in the top three overall. 15 have been quarterbacks, 6 have been offensive tackles, and 6 have been defensive ends. That’s only 25% that aren’t quarterbacks, offensive tackles, or defensive ends. When you look closer, all 12 #1 overall picks since 1998 have been quarterback, offensive tackles, or defensive end. The Rams don’t need an offensive tackle or defensive end, so it’ll be quarterback here. Right now, other mock drafter seem to be split 50/50 on Clausen and Suh. For more information check out the Sports Jabber Mock Draft Database.

2. Detroit Lions 2-14

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they will take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player, by far, and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 21st against the run, although they have looked better over the past few weeks. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development. But, you can’t really blame the Lions for taking the best available player, especially when he’s a player that is as dominant at his position as Ndamukong Suh. Only 1 defensive tackle has gone in the top three since 1998, but Suh is that good.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

The Bucs want to build around their defensive line. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available. He’s not the dominant defensive tackle Suh is, but he’s a great finesse one gap penetrator at defensive tackle that could flourish if the Bucs decide to switch back to a Tampa 2 defensive system. The Bucs could also trade down if someone like Seattle offers enough to move up here and take a franchise left tackle like Russell Okung because, even though he’ll probably be the guy they’re targeting, they can get McCoy a few picks farther down.

4. Washington Redskins 4-12

The writing is on the wall for Jason Campbell. There’s a new head coach and a new GM in town. The guys who drafted him are gone, most of them long gone. He just happened to have his 2 worst games of his career in the last 3 weeks of this season and now he’s a restricted free agent. Even if the Redskins tender him a contract, they’ll likely trade him to the highest bidder and even if he isn’t traded, he’ll likely only be back on a one year deal to be a stop gap while a young quarterback waits to take over in 2011, a smart idea. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford has a lot of issues, namely his injured shoulder and the system he played in during college, but if history is any indicator, there’s a good chance he sneaks up into the top 5. Last year, I had Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman in the 2^nd round at this points. Sanchez went 5^th and Freeman went 17^th. Why? If a team needs a quarterback in the first round, chances are they take one even if it’s a reach. There are way too many teams with needs at the quarterback position this year, including Washington, for guys like Bradford and Tim Tebow, who look like borderline 1^st round picks on paper, to not go in the top 15.

5. Kansas City Chiefs 4-12

Brandan Albert was one of the worst starting left tackles in the league this year and he’s movable, either by trade or more likely to a different position, for many reasons. He doesn’t have a large contract. The regime that drafted him is no longer in town. He has versatility position wise and can also play right tackle or left guard in addition to left tackle. There’s a very good chance that Albert isn’t their left tackle next year and if Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is still available at #5, I would be very surprised if they didn’t draft him. The only reason I can see them passing on Okung is if they have their mind set on signing Matt Light in 2011 in an attempt to recreate the 2003 New England Patriots. I hear Ty Law and Troy Brown are still looking for work.

6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

Pete Carroll could go a number of ways with his two first round picks. He could go best available. He could draft for need. He could value getting his own franchise quarterback above anything and with the way Matt Hasselbeck played at the end of the season last year, that might not be a bad idea. He could value drafting former USC players above anything. However, there’s one thing that I think is certain. If a player as good as Tennessee FS Eric Berry is available at #6, Carroll, unless he’s completely inept, is going to take him. Carroll knows talent obviously as shown by his major success at USC and I highly doubt he passes on someone as talented as Eric Berry.

7. Cleveland Browns 5-11

This is where the draft hits a crossroad. I have no idea what the Browns are going to do here. Eric Mangini didn’t draft his own guy at quarterback last year in his first offseason and with new team president Mike Holmgren, there’s a chance they go that direction, but I doubt they’ll reach for Tim Tebow to do it, especially with how much Eric Mangini enjoyed drafting random positions last year. Plus, I don’t think we’ve seen enough of Brady Quinn to call him a bust yet. I think the Browns will either draft down or go best available, but the problem is, determining who I believe they will see as best available. This pick could very well be Derrick Morgan, but he’s not a good fit for the 3-4 defense, so I won’t mock him here unless I here something from Cleveland saying that the coaching staff believes him to have the ability to play rush linebacker. Rolando McClain makes sense and I’ve actually had him here at this spot before, but then again, 3-4 middle linebackers rarely go top 10. Even Patrick Willis slipped to #11. That leaves Dez Bryant and Joe Haden, a wide receiver and a cornerback. I’ll go with Florida CB Joe Haden for now because Mangini obviously enjoys less valuable positions like cornerback…or center, but don’t quote me on this one just yet.

8. Oakland Raiders 5-11

JaMarcus Russell could be easily replaced with a large sack of potatoes with a Raiders Jersey on it and no one would notice. Because of that, quarterback is a major possibility here, especially if Tebow runs a fast 40 like Al Davis likes, but I don’t think his arm is quite strong enough for Davis’ liking. Davis would have likely drafted USC FS Taylor Mays at #7 last year if he hadn’t returned to school. While at school, Mays’ flaws were exposed in a big way, but of course Al Davis hasn’t noticed because he’s been dead for 3 years. If Mays can live up to his measurables, 6-3 230 4.3, he’s a very good candidate to go here.

9. Buffalo Bills 6-10

The Bills gave Trent Edwards a bunch of weapons to work with but they lacked that true pass blocking left tackle and thus Edwards struggled this season and was benched and the Bills sit here at 6-10 drafting in the top ten yet again. Langston Walker was supposed to start at left tackle this year, but he was cut right before the season. That’s a very bad sign. Demetrius Bell, their new starting left tackle, leads the league in penalties and their offensive line as a whole had 9 false starts earlier this season in a loss to the Browns. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis has really jumped onto the national stage as an elite franchise left tackle in past weeks so he could very well be the 2^nd offensive tackle off the board. He’ll also remind the Bills a bit of Jason Peters, who worked out well for them as a left tackle for a few years before they traded him last year. Both Davis and Peters are big over powering left tackles that are overrated pass blockers and dominant run blockers.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-9

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver pretty much promised that the Jags would draft in state Florida QB Tim Tebow in the first round in an attempt to sell more tickets and save the franchise’s future in Jacksonville. He seems to have forgotten that the Jags already have a good quarterback, David Garrard, who has a 60% completion percentage in each of his four years as starter as well as 59 touchdowns to 35 picks, but I guess the Jags will do what they have to do to make Jacksonville football fans, who clearly don’t care, come to the stadium, rather than moving the team to a city that deserves a franchise like San Antonio or Los Angeles. Despite what media is saying, Tim Tebow’s senior bowl performance is neutral. He had some nice throws, some bad throws, but for the most part played out of an offense similar to what he played in at Florida so we can’t really make a judgement.

11. Denver Broncos (via CHI) 8-8

Remember week 6 when the Broncos were 6-0 and had a 3.5 game lead on the division and they were giving up 3.3 YPC. Those days are long gone. The Broncos finished 8-8 and 5 games behind in the division and gave up 4.5 YPC for the season, a number that would be a lot higher if you took out their somewhat fluky run stopping days of weeks 1-6. It makes sense that they can’t stop the run. They couldn’t last year and all new coach Josh McDaniels did to fix that is change to a more complicated defensive system and make a front 7 out of 2 starters from last year’s miserable run stopping bunch, a 2009 1^st round pick playing out of position, and cast offs from the Niners and Browns. They will take the best 3-4 front 7 player available here. That would be Alabama MLB Rolando McClain who is one of the best pure 3-4 middle linebackers prospects of the last ten years. If the Broncos trade Brandon Marshall, a strong, but stupid possibility, this pick will be Dez Bryant. The Broncos can’t go into 2010 with the same receiving corps they had week 17 without Marshall. They had no deep target and just threw short passes all week. Even the Chiefs weren’t fooled by that and destroyed the Broncos at home, knocking them out of the playoffs.

12. Miami Dolphins 7-9

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take Tennessee NT Dan Williams. I have had Terrence Cody here for some weeks, but I have changed it to Williams because Williams had a great Senior Bowl, whereas Cody showed up to his weigh in at 370 pounds, 15 pounds heavier than expected. I don’t think Parcells will take someone as out of shape as him when he can get someone more versatile and in better shape like Williams.

13. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. I don’t think Shawntae Spencer is the answer either, but with Nate Clements reportedly moving to free safety next year, Spencer is probably going to start another year. Regardless, they would still need a corner to play opposite him. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is shooting up draft boards this season, after a down year last season. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run which Mike Singletary will love. Bruce Campbell is also a possibility here as the Niners need an offensive tackle, but the offensive tackle class is a lot deeper than the cornerback class in the first round and they can still get a good one at #17. Warren won’t be there at #17 and they’ll have to settle for a much weaker cornerback prospect.

14. Seattle Seahawks 5-11 (via DEN)

Pete Carroll has a pretty easy first round of his first NFL draft since returning to the NFL this year, huh? Just take the guy who is glaringly the best player available and fills a major need. Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard. Campbell is a steal here.

15. New York Giants 8-8

As weird as it may sound, the Giants only had 32 sacks last season, despite all of the money they have invested in their defensive line. Now, Osi Umenyiora wants out because he’s insulted that he was turned into a 3^rd round rusher alone late last season. There’s a good chance they either cut him to take his large cap number off of the payroll, or trade him to a team like St. Louis who needs a veteran defensive line leader. Osi has also had his best success under Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, the former Giants defensive coordinator. If Osi leaves, they’ll definitely have to look for more help on the defensive line and even if he stays, they might consider Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan here simply because Giants GM Jerry Reese is such a fan of the best player available strategy when it comes it drafting.

16. Tennessee Titans 8-8

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starting corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where two key members of the rotation, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft South Florida DE Jason Pierre Paul in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Morgan could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense. JPP, as ESPN calls him, is an excellent fluid athlete with great upside who would fit the Titans scheme very well.

17. San Francisco 49ers 8-8 (via CAR)

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available offensive tackle.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

Its painfully obvious that the Steelers need offensive line help after giving up 20 sacks to the Browns, Packers, Ravens, and Dolphins in the last 4 weeks of the season. However, they’ve needed offensive line help for years and haven’t done anything about it. Plus, its also painfully obvious that Mike Tomlin doesn’t trust his defense, even more painfully obvious than their offensive line is bad. Mike Tomlin tried an onside kick with a 2 point lead in a game late in the season against the Packers because he didn’t trust his defense to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Packers would recover and score and if it weren’t for late game heroics from Big Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin would have been the laughing stock of the NFL. That is how far this defense has fallen since being one of the best in history last year. The biggest reason for their defensive struggles has been Troy Polamalu’s injuries. In the 5 games in which he has played, the Steelers are 4-1 and are allowed 13.8 points per game. In the games he has missed, they give up 23.2 and are consequently 5-6. Their lack of a good safety opposite him is obvious. Texas FS Earl Thomas is probably the best player available and the Steelers have shown in recent years that they are fans of the best player available strategy drafting guys like Rashard Mendenhall and Evander Hood in the first round even when they weren’t their biggest needs.

19. Atlanta Falcons 9-7

After 3 years and 2.5 sacks, I think it’s time for the Falcons to write former #8 overall pick Jamaal Anderson off as a bust and start fresh at the defensive end position opposite John Abraham. They got burnt through the air a lot this season and a lot of that had to do with their poor cornerback play since Brian Williams’ injury, but their 28 sacks as a team didn’t help. USC DE Everson Griffen has all the talent of a #1 defensive end in the future, but he just needs to put it all together. He could actually go top 10 if he runs a sub 4.6 40 at 275 pounds, which I think would be a mistake because his production in college to this point has been limited. However, there’s no question he could be a future #1 defensive end.

20. Houston Texans 9-7

The Texans need a good defensive back, especially a cornerback, but there aren’t any available that aren’t huge reaches so the Texans can really just go with the best available. Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant is a huge steal at this point in the draft. If he pans out, opposing defensive coordinators are going to have nightmares about having to guard both him and Andre Johnson, and Owen Daniels coming over the middle as a tight end.

21. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7

The Bengals biggest need this offseason is to open up their offensive. They beat everyone by like 3 points last year. Every win they had was a hard fought win in which they struggled and looked ugly. Cedric Benson, as good as he was last year, did not have a run that was longer than 42 yards all season. He carried the ball 301 times yet could not run for more than 42 yards one single time. They need to get a homerun threat on the ground and there is no bigger homerun threat than Clemson RB CJ Spiller. Spiller can come in and play the Reggie Bush role for this team and help out both the ground game and the receiving game while adding a new dimension to this offense. He can also help out a mediocre return game.

22. New England Patriots 10-7

As a Patriots fan, the Pats’ defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him against New Orleans and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well. They’re also always a candidate to trade down.

23. Green Bay Packers 10-7

The Packers have done a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

24. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5

Even with all of the offensive linemen the Eagles brought in during the offseason, they are still not playing well on the offensive front. Andy Reid, who loves to draft offensive linemen, will want to do something about that this year and draft the biggest offensive lineman available to help himself feel more secure about his own weight problems. He doesn’t have a starting offensive lineman who weighs less than 320 pounds. 330 pound Anthony Davis isn’t available, so 330 pound Idaho OG Mike Iupati will have to do. Think Andy Reid won’t draft an offensive guard in the first round, think again. He’s done it before.

25. Baltimore Ravens 10-8

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. USC WR Damian Williams is the best available at a position of huge need and is the logical pick here.

26. Arizona Cardinals 11-7

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future.

27. Dallas Cowboys 12-6

Jerry Jones is always looking for the big name and Alabama NT Terrence Cody was one of the biggest names in college football last year because of his trademark large gut. Jay Ratliff made the Pro Bowl last year as a nose tackle, but, as good as he was, he was playing out of position all year. He needs to move back to that 3-4 defensive end position. Ratliff is an excellent pass rusher for his size, but he’s not the big nose tackle, that commands two lineman, pushes the pocket, and serves as a shield for linebackers to come in and get into the backfield. Terrence Cody is and they need that. Cody would command two blockers and make things a lot easier for Ratliff on the outside and make him even more deadly. It would also free things up more for DeMarcus Ware, not like he needed to get freed up more, but, it can’t hurt.

28. San Diego Chargers 13-4

The Chargers’ top 2 receivers, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd, are all free agents after this season. Even if they are able to bring both back Floyd is average at best. They could use another receiver here. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is the best available receiver for a team that doesn’t have a ton of needs. They are a pass heavy team so they need to get good young receivers for Phillip Rivers. LaFell is 6-4 and the Chargers like big receivers.

29. New York Jets 11-8

Trading for Mark Sanchez was the right longterm move for the franchise, especially given how little they had to give up to move up to get him. One player they did give up was Kenyon Coleman. He is a 3-4 defensive end, so he’s absence did not hurt them a ton, especially when you consider they got a franchise quarterback, but they still do need to replace him. Penn State DE Jared Odrick plays defensive tackle in college, but would be a natural fit for this team at 3-4 defensive end, which is a big need where they have a major hole.

30. Minnesota Vikings 13-5

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but I doubt the Vikings would reach a quarterback in this situation, especially since all of the quarterbacks available here could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in UCLA DT Brian Price, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Price is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely. He should be able to capitalize on his 7 sacks this season and get drafted in the first round as the 3^rd defensive tackle off the board.

31. New Orleans Saints 15-3

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game. If it weren’t for Brandon Graham, Weatherspoon would be the MVP of the Senior Bowl. He looked excellent doing everything from getting into the backfield, to covering a much faster man and breaking up the pass, to getting a late interception.

32. Indianapolis Colts 16-2

Michigan DE Brandon Graham had a huge Senior Bowl week, impressing in practice and winning MVP. Defensive end is not a huge need for the Colts right now, in fact they have the best pass rushing duo in the league in Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, but both of them are going to be free agents in 2011, and either way, the Colts know value so I doubt they’ll let Graham slip by them. Graham is the type of defensive end they like, not physically opposing, barely 6 feet with the shortest arms of any defensive end at the Senior Bowl weigh ins, but he also has an energizer battery motor with a switch that is stuck on “on” 24/7.

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1/31/10 

33. St. Louis Rams- WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

If the Rams draft Jimmy Clausen, they better get him someone to throw to. Who better than Golden Tate, his leading receiver at Notre Dame over the past two years, who also happens to be the best available player. Tate should continue to be Clausen’s favorite target next year if the two remain teammates.

34. Detroit Lions- OT Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

The Lions have to draft a left tackle eventually right?…right…? Luckily for their fans and Matt Stafford’s health, Trent Williams is one of the best players available and would fit their zone blocking scheme well.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Greg Hardy (Mississippi)

The Bucs have two 2^nd round picks thanks to their trade of Gaines Adams (RIP). You have to expect they’ll use one of them on a replacement longterm defensive end, one who fits their scheme better. Hardy could be a steal here if he can stay healthy.

36. Kansas City Chiefs- OLB Jerry Hughes (TCU)

The Chiefs more than doubled their sack total in 2009! That would be amazing if it weren’t for the fact that they only had 10 sacks in 2008. They need an elite #1 pass rusher and luckily for them, Jerry Hughes falls out of fear that he’ll bust. Many rush linebacker prospects have busted in recent years because they are learning a new position (see Veron Gholston). The Chiefs can afford to take a risk on Hughes here, in fact they can’t afford not to take a risk on him.

37. Washington Redskins- OT Jason Fox (Miami)

If Sam Bradford gets drafted by the Redskins, he better pray they use their 2^ndround pick on a left tackle. Jason Campbell took 43 sacks last year. They can’t afford to let Bradford take that many, especially with the questions about the health of his shoulder. Chris Samuels might be done for his career so they can’t count on him to fix their offensive line problems. They need to draft a left tackle and Fox is the best available at the position. He fits the scheme perfectly.

38. Cleveland Browns- MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Again, Eric Mangini is unpredictable as a drafter. He’ll probably trade down 5 times and draft a kicker, but I’ll give him some credit and assume he’ll just take best available. Spikes would fit their 3-4 defense really well and give them a much needed upgrade inside next to D’Qwell Jackson.

39. Oakland Raiders- DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida)

If Al Davis gets his hands on two amazing physical specimens like Taylor Mays and Carlos Dunlap in the first two rounds, he’ll be so happy, he might exactly show emotion. Then he’ll go back to being dead.

40. Seattle Seahawks- CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest)

Marcus Trufant was the most penalized defensive back in the league last year. That’s bad enough, but when you consider that he did that despite missing the first 6 games of the season with injury. Something tells me the Seahawks could be looking for some young blood at the cornerback position this offseason, even if they do draft Eric Berry to play safety. Ghee would fit the scheme well and he is the best available cornerback.

41. Buffalo Bills- DT LaMarr Houston (Texas)

Of all the bad defenses we saw last year, the Bills ranked dead last against the run despite trading for Marcus Stroud to bolster their interior defensive line just two years ago. Houston’s stock is soaring right now thanks to an impressive performance in the National Championship game and a strong Senior Bowl week.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CHI)- WR Marshawn Gilyard (Cincinnati)

Raheem Morris said his #1 objective in the 2010 offseason is to help franchise quarterback Josh Freeman. That would require getting him someone to throw to. Gilyard was arguably the best receiver at the Senior Bowl, and he’s also a good kick returner.

43. Miami Dolphins- WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois)

The Dolphins drafted Patrick Turner in the 3^rd round to get some much needed size in their receiving corps. He didn’t log a single reception this year and only saw action on special teams in two games. That doesn’t surprise me because I didn’t like the pick when they made it last year. If Benn is still available in the 2^nd round, Parcells will take a chance on him. He’s an amazing physical receiver, but he had a horrible statistical season last year, but a lot of that had to do with the poor play of Juice Williams at quarterback. Besides, as Mohamed Massaquoi proved last year, you don’t need to be productive to get drafted in the 2^nd round if you’re a great athlete. Massaquoi went on to become the Browns’ leading receiver this year.

44. New England Patriots (via JAC)- OLB Eric Norwood (South Carolina)

Bill Belicheck seems hesitant to draft rush linebacker, which is weird because he’s never hesitant to do anything. It must be because of how few of the defensive ends switching to rush linebacker actually pan out. He can’t hesitate anymore, the Pats only managed 31 sacks all last year and their pass defense suffered because of it. Norwood is a safe bet here because he has experience playing standing up at outside linebacker at South Carolina, in addition to playing defensive end, so he is going to be comfortable in coverage and blitzing from an outside position.  

45. Denver Broncos- DE Arthur Jones (Syracuse)

As mentioned in the first round, the Broncos flat out sucked against the run in the 2^nd half of last season. Losing defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is only going to hurt this team against the run (yes, I did just say something good about Mike Nolan, horrible coach, excellent defensive coordinator). If McDaniels is a capable drafter (based on his 2009 showing I’m not so sure) he’ll focus 2 early picks on the front 7 in an effort finally make this team decent against the run.

46. New York Giants- FS Nate Allen (South Florida)

he Giants gave up the 13^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 3rd most points. That means they gave up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they couldn’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Allen is the best available safety.

47. New England Patriots (via TEN)- DE Mike Neal (Purdue)

Neal seems like a classic Patriots pick, he’s better than the public views him, though in actuality they’d likely trade down to get him. Trading Richard Seymour was a smart move because they could end up with the #1 pick in 2011, but they do need to replace him.

48. Carolina Panthers- WR Eric Decker (Minnesota)

Part of the reason for Jake Delhomme’s struggles last year was because he had no one to throw to except Steve Smith. Matt Moore appears to be the quarterback of the future for this team so they’ll need to get him someone to compliment Smith. Decker would be perfect for the job because he’s a consistent possession receiver, whereas Smith is an inconsistent deep threat.    

49. San Francisco 49ers- OLB Sergio Kindle (Texas)

No one on the Niners had more than 6.5 sacks last year. Manny Lawson led the team with 6.5, but you can never count on him. They need an elite pass rusher prospect. Kindle has experience playing outside linebacker at Texas so the transition to rush linebacker won’t be as tough for him. He has elite athleticism and huge upside.

50. Kansas City Chiefs (via ATL)- SS Chad Jones (LSU)

The Chiefs used to have a great safety named Bernard Pollard. Then they decided he was too talented and cut him. They’ll need to replace him and Jones is a huge steal at this point. I think he’s the best strong safety in this draft class.

51. Houston Texans- CB Patrick Robinson (Florida State)

The Texans had 14 interceptions all year last year and 4 of those came from their linebackers and 9 from their safeties, including 4 from Bernard Pollard (hey, maybe the Chiefs shouldn’t have cut him). That leaves only 1 interception by any of their cornerbacks. Robinson had 7 in his career at Oklahoma State and he had a very good game in the Senior Bowl.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers- OT Kyle Calloway (Iowa)

The Steelers can’t ignore their offensive line any longer. Calloway is one of the best available offensive lineman and he fits the mold of the stereotypical Steelers offensive lineman because he always gives 110% on the field. If he can stay out of off the field trouble, he’ll be a great pick

53. New England Patriots- WR Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas)

Randy Moss has only one year left on his contract and based on his effort last year and the Patriots early playoff exit, there’s a good chance they either trade or cut him this offseason. They would need a deep threat to compliment either Wes Welker or Julian Edelman, depending on whether or not Welker can play. Briscoe would fit the scheme extremely well because he played in a similar scheme and had huge numbers at Kansas last year.

54. Cincinnati Bengals- WR Jeremy Williams (Tulane)

Drafting Spiller alone isn’t going to be able to help the Bengals offense alone. Carson Palmer needs another wide receiver to throw to other than Chad Ochocinco. When Darrelle Revis took Ochocinco out of the game in the playoffs, Palmer had no one to throw to. Williams is the best available receiver and another player who had a great senior bowl week.

55. Philadelphia Eagles- OLB Daryl Washington (TCU)

The Eagles need an outside linebacker opposite Will Witherspoon next season. Daryl Washington is an excellent fundamental player and a fluid athlete and would fit the Eagles scheme perfectly.

56. Green Bay Packers- CB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State)

Al Harris just turned 35 and missed a good portion of the season with injuries, which have been plaguing him for years. Tramon Williams was decent, but not great in relief of Harris. Even if he does pan out well longterm, Charles Woodson, despite winning defensive player of the year, is 33 and will turn 34 next October. He can’t play that well forever. The Packers, who always like to take best available, will take Cox, because he will give them much needed cornerback depth. He’s also a good kick returner.

57. Baltimore Ravens- CB Domonique Franks (Oklahoma)

After Lardarius Webb got hurt, the Ravens had to starting kick returner Chris Carr at cornerback. I think its safe to say they need some cornerback depth and Franks provides good depth and upside at the position.

58. Arizona Cardinals- RLB Ricky Sapp (Clemson)

The Cardinals actually had a top ten pass rush last year, but no rush linebacker had more than 6 sacks last year. Bert Berry led the way with 6, but he’s retiring and none of their other rush linebackers are much younger, with the exception of rookie Cody Brown. Sapp is a good value here.

59. Dallas Cowboys- OG Vladimir Ducasse (Massachusetts)

In case you couldn’t tell during their playoff game against the Vikings, in which Tony Romo was sacked 6 times, the Cowboys at least need some depth at the offensive line position. All 5 of their starting offensive lineman from last year are currently 30 or older. Ducasse can play both guard positions, in addition to right tackle, and possibly left tackle. He’s also 340 pounds and the Cowboys like their offensive lineman big.

60. San Diego Chargers- RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech)

Its safe to say after his awful stinker of a season, in which he averaged 3.3 YPA, LT won’t be back next season. The Chargers can safe money by cutting him so I wouldn’t be surprised if they cut him. Even if they don’t cut him, he’s not going to be around much longer so I would be really surprised if they didn’t draft a running back in the first 3 rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft. Dwyer is the best available.

61. New York Jets- WR Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech)

Braylon Edwards wasn’t awful last season with the Jets with 35 catches for 541 yards and 4 touchdowns, but when you consider he was targeted 70 times you’d expect him to have done a lot more statistically. He’s a free agent this offseason and if they’re smart, they’ll only resign him if he takes a reduced rate. Regardless of whether or not he is back, they could use another wide receiver, especially one with good size. Thomas’ route running could be better, but he’s big and a great deep threat. He’s also an above average run blocker which is a plus for the Jets, who run lot.

62. Minnesota Vikings- FS Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech)

The Vikings never replaced Darren Sharper. Drafting Burnett would allow them do that. They don’t have many other needs to worry about and quarterback would be a reach here.

63. New Orleans Saints- DT Vince Oghobaase (Duke)

The Saints run defense really struggled without Sedrick Ellis this season and even weren’t that great when Ellis was in the lineup so it would make sense for them to draft a defensive tackle to play inside with Ellis. Oghobaase has more upside than any player left on the board and the Saints don’t really need to make a safe pick.

64. Indianapolis Colts- OG Mike Johnson (Alabama)

The Colts need some help on the interior of their offensive line and Mike Johnson is the best zone blocking guard in this draft class.

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1/31/10

1. St. Louis Rams 1-15

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, unless the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future. Many will argue Ndamukong Suh here, but, as dominant of a prospect he is, he doesn’t have the positional value here. History has shown, if a team needs a left tackle or quarterback early in the draft, they will take that above all else, even the consensus top prospect. Remember Glenn Dorsey? How about Aaron Curry? Here’s some facts. Since 1998, 36 players have gone in the top three overall. 15 have been quarterbacks, 6 have been offensive tackles, and 6 have been defensive ends. That’s only 25% that aren’t quarterbacks, offensive tackles, or defensive ends. When you look closer, all 12 #1 overall picks since 1998 have been quarterback, offensive tackles, or defensive end. The Rams don’t need an offensive tackle or defensive end, so it’ll be quarterback here. Right now, other mock drafter seem to be split 50/50 on Clausen and Suh. For more information check out the Sports Jabber Mock Draft Database.

2. Detroit Lions 2-14

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they will take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player, by far, and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 21st against the run, although they have looked better over the past few weeks. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development. But, you can’t really blame the Lions for taking the best available player, especially when he’s a player that is as dominant at his position as Ndamukong Suh. Only 1 defensive tackle has gone in the top three since 1998, but Suh is that good.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

The Bucs want to build around their defensive line. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available. He’s not the dominant defensive tackle Suh is, but he’s a great finesse one gap penetrator at defensive tackle that could flourish if the Bucs decide to switch back to a Tampa 2 defensive system. The Bucs could also trade down if someone like Seattle offers enough to move up here and take a franchise left tackle like Russell Okung because, even though he’ll probably be the guy they’re targeting, they can get McCoy a few picks farther down.

4. Washington Redskins 4-12

The writing is on the wall for Jason Campbell. There’s a new head coach and a new GM in town. The guys who drafted him are gone, most of them long gone. He just happened to have his 2 worst games of his career in the last 3 weeks of this season and now he’s a restricted free agent. Even if the Redskins tender him a contract, they’ll likely trade him to the highest bidder and even if he isn’t traded, he’ll likely only be back on a one year deal to be a stop gap while a young quarterback waits to take over in 2011, a smart idea. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford has a lot of issues, namely his injured shoulder and the system he played in during college, but if history is any indicator, there’s a good chance he sneaks up into the top 5. Last year, I had Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman in the 2^nd round at this points. Sanchez went 5^th and Freeman went 17^th. Why? If a team needs a quarterback in the first round, chances are they take one even if it’s a reach. There are way too many teams with needs at the quarterback position this year, including Washington, for guys like Bradford and Tim Tebow, who look like borderline 1^st round picks on paper, to not go in the top 15.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- OT Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)

Brandan Albert was one of the worst starting left tackles in the league this year and he’s movable, either by trade or more likely to a different position, for many reasons. He doesn’t have a large contract. The regime that drafted him is no longer in town. He has versatility position wise and can also play right tackle or left guard in addition to left tackle. There’s a very good chance that Albert isn’t their left tackle next year and if Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is still available at #5, I would be very surprised if they didn’t draft him. The only reason I can see them passing on Okung is if they have their mind set on signing Matt Light in 2011 in an attempt to recreate the 2003 New England Patriots. I hear Ty Law and Troy Brown are still looking for work.

6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

Pete Carroll could go a number of ways with his two first round picks. He could go best available. He could draft for need. He could value getting his own franchise quarterback above anything and with the way Matt Hasselbeck played at the end of the season last year, that might not be a bad idea. He could value drafting former USC players above anything. However, there’s one thing that I think is certain. If a player as good as Tennessee FS Eric Berry is available at #6, Carroll, unless he’s completely inept, is going to take him. Carroll knows talent obviously as shown by his major success at USC and I highly doubt he passes on someone as talented as Eric Berry.

7. Cleveland Browns 5-11

This is where the draft hits a crossroad. I have no idea what the Browns are going to do here. Eric Mangini didn’t draft his own guy at quarterback last year in his first offseason and with new team president Mike Holmgren, there’s a chance they go that direction, but I doubt they’ll reach for Tim Tebow to do it, especially with how much Eric Mangini enjoyed drafting random positions last year. Plus, I don’t think we’ve seen enough of Brady Quinn to call him a bust yet. I think the Browns will either draft down or go best available, but the problem is, determining who I believe they will see as best available. This pick could very well be Derrick Morgan, but he’s not a good fit for the 3-4 defense, so I won’t mock him here unless I here something from Cleveland saying that the coaching staff believes him to have the ability to play rush linebacker. Rolando McClain makes sense and I’ve actually had him here at this spot before, but then again, 3-4 middle linebackers rarely go top 10. Even Patrick Willis slipped to #11. That leaves Dez Bryant and Joe Haden, a wide receiver and a cornerback. I’ll go with Florida CB Joe Haden for now because Mangini obviously enjoys less valuable positions like cornerback…or center, but don’t quote me on this one just yet.

8. Oakland Raiders 5-11

JaMarcus Russell could be easily replaced with a large sack of potatoes with a Raiders Jersey on it and no one would notice. Because of that, quarterback is a major possibility here, especially if Tebow runs a fast 40 like Al Davis likes, but I don’t think his arm is quite strong enough for Davis’ liking. Davis would have likely drafted USC FS Taylor Mays at #7 last year if he hadn’t returned to school. While at school, Mays’ flaws were exposed in a big way, but of course Al Davis hasn’t noticed because he’s been dead for 3 years. If Mays can live up to his measurables, 6-3 230 4.3, he’s a very good candidate to go here.

9. Buffalo Bills 6-10

The Bills gave Trent Edwards a bunch of weapons to work with but they lacked that true pass blocking left tackle and thus Edwards struggled this season and was benched and the Bills sit here at 6-10 drafting in the top ten yet again. Langston Walker was supposed to start at left tackle this year, but he was cut right before the season. That’s a very bad sign. Demetrius Bell, their new starting left tackle, leads the league in penalties and their offensive line as a whole had 9 false starts earlier this season in a loss to the Browns. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis has really jumped onto the national stage as an elite franchise left tackle in past weeks so he could very well be the 2^nd offensive tackle off the board. He’ll also remind the Bills a bit of Jason Peters, who worked out well for them as a left tackle for a few years before they traded him last year. Both Davis and Peters are big over powering left tackles that are overrated pass blockers and dominant run blockers.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-9

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver pretty much promised that the Jags would draft in state Florida QB Tim Tebow in the first round in an attempt to sell more tickets and save the franchise’s future in Jacksonville. He seems to have forgotten that the Jags already have a good quarterback, David Garrard, who has a 60% completion percentage in each of his four years as starter as well as 59 touchdowns to 35 picks, but I guess the Jags will do what they have to do to make Jacksonville football fans, who clearly don’t care, come to the stadium, rather than moving the team to a city that deserves a franchise like San Antonio or Los Angeles. The Senior Bowl will be extremely important to Tebow as with a bad game, he could play himself out of this spot and then drop who knows how far, but I think at the moment, this spot is his to lose.

11. Denver Broncos (via CHI) 8-8

Remember week 6 when the Broncos were 6-0 and had a 3.5 game lead on the division and they were giving up 3.3 YPC. Those days are long gone. The Broncos finished 8-8 and 5 games behind in the division and gave up 4.5 YPC for the season, a number that would be a lot higher if you took out their somewhat fluky run stopping days of weeks 1-6. It makes sense that they can’t stop the run. They couldn’t last year and all new coach Josh McDaniels did to fix that is change to a more complicated defensive system and make a front 7 out of 2 starters from last year’s miserable run stopping bunch, a 2009 1^st round pick playing out of position, and cast offs from the Niners and Browns. They will take the best 3-4 front 7 player available here. That would be Alabama MLB Rolando McClain who is one of the best pure 3-4 middle linebackers prospects of the last ten years. If the Broncos trade Brandon Marshall, a strong, but stupid possibility, this pick will be Dez Bryant. The Broncos can’t go into 2010 with the same receiving corps they had week 17 without Marshall. They had no deep target and just threw short passes all week. Even the Chiefs weren’t fooled by that and destroyed the Broncos at home, knocking them out of the playoffs.

12. Miami Dolphins 7-9

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody here. He may be a 2 down nose tackle in the NFL, but so is Kris Jenkins of the Jets and we all saw how bad their run defense got in a hurry after he got hurt. The Dolphins don’t have another starting caliber nose tackle on the roster and this is an extremely weak nose tackle class so they need to take one here, whether they like Cody or a less dominant, but more versatile guy like Dan Williams, is unknown at the moment.

13. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. I don’t think Shawntae Spencer is the answer either, but with Nate Clements reportedly moving to free safety next year, Spencer is probably going to start another year. Regardless, they would still need a corner to play opposite him. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is shooting up draft board this season, after a down year last season. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run which Mike Singletary will love. Bruce Campbell is also a possibility here as the Niners need an offensive tackle, but the offensive tackle class is a lot deeper than the cornerback class in the first round and they can still get a good one at #17. Warren won’t be there at #17 and they’ll have to settle for a much weaker cornerback prospect.

14. Seattle Seahawks 5-11 (via DEN)

Pete Carroll has a pretty easy first round of his first NFL draft since returning to the NFL this year, huh? Just take the guy who is glaringly the best player available and fills a major need. Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard. Campbell is a steal here.

15. New York Giants 8-8

The Giants gave up the 13^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 3rd most points. That means they gave up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they couldn’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Texas FS Earl Thomas is the top safety available and is both a great ballhawker and a solid hustle run stopper and tackler for his size. The Giants couldn’t tackle anyone in the open field late in the season against Carolina and Minnesota and lost in embarrassing fashion and fell out of the playoffs.

16. Tennessee Titans 8-8

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starting corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where two key members of the rotation, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Morgan could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense. Morgan is that physical type of defensive end that Tennessee likes. He’s also the best available player here and the Titans should be very glad that teams won’t see the 270-275 pound Morgan as a rush linebacker.

17. San Francisco 49ers 8-8 (via CAR)

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available offensive tackle.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

Obviously the defense was a major issue this year for the Steelers, but assuming Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu are ready for 2010, they’ll be a lot better on that side of the ball. Unless there’s a huge steal of a defensive prospect available here, I doubt they focus on that side of the ball. Ben Roethlisberger statistically had his best career season, but also was sacked 50 times this season, despite missing a game with a concussion. He suffered an arm injury in the last game of the season which could have sidelined him into the playoffs if the Steelers made it and to make things worse, most of their depth on the offensive line is a free agent this offseason. There isn’t really a stand out offensive tackle available here that fits the Steelers criteria of an offensive lineman, big, strong, mauler. However, there is one offensive guard who fits that criteria like a glove. Idaho OG Mike Iupati has prematurely been compared to Larry Allen. I am extremely excited to watch him at the Senior Bowl. He’ll fit their scheme and their need very well and will upgrade both their pass blocking and run blocking for next season.

19. Atlanta Falcons 9-7

After 3 years and 2.5 sacks, I think it’s time for the Falcons to write former #8 overall pick Jamaal Anderson off as a bust and start fresh at the defensive end position opposite John Abraham. They got burnt through the air a lot this season and a lot of that had to do with their poor cornerback play since Brian Williams’ injury, but their 28 sacks as a team didn’t help. USC DE Everson Griffen has all the talent of a #1 defensive end in the future, but he just needs to put it all together. He could actually go top 10 if he runs a sub 4.6 40 at 275 pounds, which I think would be a mistake because his production in college to this point has been limited. However, there’s no question he could be a future #1 defensive end.

20. Houston Texans 9-7

Since taking over as coach in 2006, Gary Kubiak has drafted 3 players in the trenches with his 4 first round picks. There’s a good chance he does that again this year, especially defensively, as Houston was still middle of the pack against the run this season, and ranked near the bottom in sacks. They really lack that big mauling 4-3 nose tackle type guy on their defensive line and Tennessee DT Dan Williams would fit their need on the defensive line very well. Unlike Terrence Cody, Williams can play both the 4-3 or 3-4 schemes and actually has experience playing in a system similar to Houston’s, last year playing for Tennessee.

21. Cincinnati Bengals 9-8

From week 9, when Chris Henry went out with an injury to the end of the season, Carson Palmer threw for 1254 yards in 8 games, 427 coming in games against the Lions and Raiders. Chris Henry died in December after a tragic accident. RIP. However, in football, life moves on, it has to. They need a deep threat to compliment Chad Ochocinco otherwise Palmer is doomed to have another mediocre year. In fact, as shown in the playoffs, he could be worse than mediocre next year if they don’t get a deep threat at wide receiver. The Bengals have shown in the past that they are willing to take chances on questionable character guys so they shouldn’t have any qualms about drafting Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant who was suspended for the entire season for lying about where he had lunch with Deion Sanders or something like that. Bryant would be a huge steal here.

22. New England Patriots 10-7

As a Patriots fan, the Pats’ defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him against New Orleans and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well. They’re also always a candidate to trade down.

23. Green Bay Packers 10-7

The Packers have done a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

24. Philadelphia Eagles 11-6

Andy Reid always likes to build in the trenches, especially with big fat guys that make him feel better about his own weight problems. At 280-290 pounds, Florida DE Carlos Dunlap is big and fills a need at left end. He has huge upside, but not good character and he looked lazy at times on the field last year and ended up being suspended in December for a DUI. However, ever since he signed that big contract extension, Andy Reid has been taking a lot more risks on guys with character issues (Michael Vick).

25. Baltimore Ravens 10-8

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. USC WR Damian Williams is the best available at a position of huge need and is the logical pick here.

26. Arizona Cardinals 11-7

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future. Quarterback is a possibility here if Kurt Warner decides to retire, which he hinted he is strongly considering. Matt Leinart flat out stunk this year when he got the opportunity to show his skills and if the Cardinals want to continue to be competitive next year, they may want to consider drafting a quarterback here just in case Leinart sucks again. As I said, if a team needs a quarterback, there’s a good chance they take one and Tony Pike would fit their scheme well, but I think the Cardinals will value Gresham’s skills over Pike’s positional value.

27. Dallas Cowboys 12-6

Jerry Jones likes money and big name players so he’ll draft Florida MLB Brandon Spikes. The Cowboys will be looking for inside linebackers that can play both 3-4 and 4-3, because Wade Phillips might not be back next season. Spikes can play both and the Cowboys will be looking for linebackers after failing to upgrade Zach Thomas last offseason, only replacing him with Keith Brooking, who is also on the wrong side of 30.

28. San Diego Chargers 13-4

The Chargers’ top 2 receivers, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd, are all free agents after this season. Even if they are able to bring both back Floyd is average at best. They could use another receiver here. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is the best available receiver for a team that doesn’t have a ton of needs. They are a pass heavy team so they need to get good young receivers for Phillip Rivers. LaFell is 6-4 and the Chargers like big receivers.

29. New York Jets 11-7

Trading for Mark Sanchez was the right longterm move for the franchise, especially given how little they had to give up to move up to get him. One player they did give up was Kenyon Coleman. He is a 3-4 defensive end, so he’s absence did not hurt them a ton, especially when you consider they got a franchise quarterback, but they still do need to replace him. Penn State DE Jared Odrick plays defensive tackle in college, but would be a natural fit for this team at 3-4 defensive end, which is a big need where they have a major hole.

30. Minnesota Vikings 13-4

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but I doubt the Vikings would reach a quarterback in this situation, especially since all of the quarterbacks available here could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in UCLA DT Brian Price, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Price is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely. He should be able to capitalize on his 7 sacks this season and get drafted in the first round as the 3^rd defensive tackle off the board.

31. New Orleans Saints 14-3

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

32. Indianapolis Colts 15-2

The Colts don’t have any major needs and they know value so I can’t see them passing up South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul if they get a shot at him. Both Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney are free agents in 2011 and even if both are resigned, you can never have enough defensive line depth. JPP is a project anyway and he’d be an excellent fit for the Colts’ cover 2 scheme with his fluid athleticism and his ability to drop back into coverage.

Go on to 2nd Round

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1/31/10 

33. St. Louis Rams- WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

If the Rams draft Jimmy Clausen, they better get him someone to throw to. Who better than Golden Tate, his leading receiver at Notre Dame over the past two years, who also happens to be the best available player. Tate should continue to be Clausen’s favorite target next year if the two remain teammates.

34. Detroit Lions- RB CJ Spiller (Clemson)

Improving their secondary and their offensive line are big needs, but the Lions have shown time and time again that they will take the best available player. Luckily for them, this new regime in town can actually identify talent, unlike Matt Millen. Spiller is a huge steal here and though running back isn’t a huge need, they could use him. Kevin Smith’s status for 2010 is in doubt after an ACL tear and he wasn’t playing particularly good before the injuries. He and Spiller will compliment each other well.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois)

Raheem Morris said his #1 objective in the 2010 offseason is to help franchise quarterback Josh Freeman. That would require getting him someone to throw to. Arrelious Benn had a horrible statistical season last year, but a lot of that had to do with the poor play of Juice Williams at quarterback. Besides, as Mohamed Massaquoi proved last year, you don’t need to be productive to get drafted in the 2^nd round if you’re a great athlete. Massaquoi went on to become the Browns’ leading receiver this year.

36. Kansas City Chiefs- OLB Jerry Hughes (TCU)

The Chiefs more than doubled their sack total in 2009! That would be amazing if it weren’t for the fact that they only had 10 sacks in 2008. They need an elite #1 pass rusher and luckily for them, Jerry Hughes falls out of fear that he’ll bust. Many rush linebacker prospects have busted in recent years because they are learning a new position (see Veron Gholston). The Chiefs can afford to take a risk on Hughes here, in fact they can’t afford not to take a risk on him.

37. Washington Redskins- OT Jason Fox (Miami)

If Sam Bradford gets drafted by the Redskins, he better pray they use their 2^ndround pick on a left tackle. Jason Campbell took 43 sacks last year. They can’t afford to let Bradford take that many, especially with the questions about the health of his shoulder. Chris Samuels might be done for his career so they can’t count on him to fix their offensive line problems. They need to draft a left tackle and Fox is the best available at the position. He fits the scheme perfectly.

38. Cleveland Browns- QB Tony Pike (Cincinnati)

I know 353 attempts is not enough to judge a career, but no one who drafted Brady Quinn in 2007 is still around in Cleveland, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they went for their own guy at quarterback in the 2^nd-4^th rounds, even if only to push Quinn, especially if its one that fits the scheme as well as Pike does. If they draft Pike, it will likely mean the end of Derek Anderson in Cleveland. He doesn’t fit the scheme anyway.

39. Oakland Raiders- QB Jevan Snead (Mississippi)

According to Al Davis, all a good quarterback has to be able to do is throw the ball straight down field really far. Snead can do that and then some. Have fun with 5 more years of mediocrity, Raiders Fans!

40. Seattle Seahawks- CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest)

Marcus Trufant was the most penalized defensive back in the league last year. That’s bad enough, but when you consider that he did that despite missing the first 6 games of the season with injury. Something tells me the Seahawks could be looking for some young blood at the cornerback position this offseason, even if they do draft Eric Berry to play safety. Ghee would fit the scheme well and he is the best available cornerback.

41. Buffalo Bills- DE Greg Hardy (Mississippi)

They drafted Aaron Maybin last year, but they only managed 32 sacks last year. Take away Aaron Schobel’s 10, because he’s reportedly retiring, and you have a pass rush that’s as bad as the Chiefs’. Even if Maybin pans out, they’ll need a left end opposite him. Hardy could be a major steal at this point if he stays healthy and for this team, its worth the risk.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CHI)- DE Brandon Graham (Michigan)

The Bucs got this pick from the Bears in exchange for Gaines Adams (RIP). There’s a good chance they use at on a defensive end because they’re pass rush wasn’t very good. They had 28 sacks last year and no one had more than 6.5. Graham has 10 sack year written all over him, but, despite his size, he’s not great against the run.

43. Miami Dolphins- FS Nate Allen (South Florida)

Gibril Wilson was a waste of money. For all they paid him, he was still benched midseason. Chris Clemons was average at best in relief of him and he’s more of a strong safety anyway. Allen is a natural free safety and Bill Parcells is going to like him because of his fundamentals and the way he plays football.

44. New England Patriots (via JAC)- OLB Eric Norwood (South Carolina)

Bill Belicheck seems hesitant to draft rush linebacker, which is weird because he’s never hesitant to do anything. It must be because of how few of the defensive ends switching to rush linebacker actually pan out. He can’t hesitate anymore, the Pats only managed 31 sacks all last year and their pass defense suffered because of it. Norwood is a safe bet here because he has experience playing standing up at outside linebacker at South Carolina, in addition to playing defensive end, so he is going to be comfortable in coverage and blitzing from an outside position.  

45. Denver Broncos- DE Arthur Jones (Syracuse)

As mentioned in the first round, the Broncos flat out sucked against the run in the 2^nd half of last season. Losing defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is only going to hurt this team against the run (yes, I did just say something good about Mike Nolan, horrible coach, excellent defensive coordinator). If McDaniels is a capable drafter (based on his 2009 showing I’m not so sure) he’ll focus 2 early picks on the front 7 in an effort finally make this team decent against the run.

46. New York Giants- OT Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

Offensive line isn’t their biggest need, but if history is any indication they will draft Williams in this situation. They drafted William Beatty in the 2^nd round last year after he slipped and Williams could have a similar fate, since both he and Beatty are tweener, not good enough pass protectors to be left tackles, but not big enough to be right tackles. Both of the Giants starting tackles will be 30 or older next season so its also good to get some depth for their offensive line. Williams and Beatty will compliment each other well both their both tweeners.

47. New England Patriots (via TEN)- DE Mike Neal (Purdue)

Neal seems like a classic Patriots pick, he’s better than the public views him, though in actuality they’d likely trade down to get him. Trading Richard Seymour was a smart move because they could end up with the #1 pick in 2011, but they do need to replace him.

48. Carolina Panthers- WR Eric Decker (Minnesota)

Part of the reason for Jake Delhomme’s struggles last year was because he had no one to throw to except Steve Smith. Matt Moore appears to be the quarterback of the future for this team so they’ll need to get him someone to compliment Smith. Decker would be perfect for the job because he’s a consistent possession receiver, whereas Smith is an inconsistent deep threat.

49. San Francisco 49ers- OLB Sergio Kindle (Texas)

No one on the Niners had more than 6.5 sacks last year. Manny Lawson led the team with 6.5, but you can never count on him. They need an elite pass rusher prospect. Kindle has experience playing outside linebacker at Texas so the transition to rush linebacker won’t be as tough for him. He has elite athleticism and huge upside.

50. Kansas City Chiefs (via ATL)- SS Chad Jones (LSU)

The Chiefs used to have a great safety named Bernard Pollard. Then they decided he was too talented and cut him. They’ll need to replace him and Jones is a huge steal at this point. I think he’s the best strong safety in this draft class.

51. Houston Texans- CB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State)

The Texans had 14 interceptions all year last year and 4 of those came from their linebackers and 9 from their safeties, including 4 from Bernard Pollard (hey, maybe the Chiefs shouldn’t have cut him). That leaves only 1 interception by any of their cornerbacks. Cox had 10 in his career at Oklahoma State and he’d also help out in the return game for the Texans.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers- FS Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech)

The Steelers defense fell apart when Polamalu got hurt. They really lack any depth at the safety position. Burnett can fill in for Polamalu if he gets hurt again and, more likely, play alongside Polamalu very well. Burnett is the physical thumper type of safety the Steelers like.

53. New England Patriots-WR Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas)

Randy Moss has only one year left on his contract and based on his effort last year and the Patriots early playoff exit, there’s a good chance they either trade or cut him this offseason. They would need a deep threat to compliment either Wes Welker or Julian Edelman, depending on whether or not Welker can play. Briscoe would fit the scheme extremely well because he played in a similar scheme and had huge numbers at Kansas last year.

54. Cincinnati Bengals- OG Mike Johnson (Alabama)

I don’t know how Cedric Benson managed his have by far the best season of his career last year. The Bengals interior blocking sucked and will only continue to get worse because their guards are on the old side. Johnson is a very good run blocker and would get to reunite with former teammate Andre Smith, assuming Smith ever gets on the field. The two of them were a very deadly combination blocking for Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram in 2008.

55. Philadelphia Eagles- OT Ciron Black (LSU)

Despite all of the money they spent on the offensive line, they still couldn’t protect Donovan McNabb last year, especially late in the season. I highly doubt Shawn Andrews will play again and they need an upgrade over Winston Justice, who give up 7 sacks last season. Black fits the Eagles weight requirements for offensive lineman, all of the Eagles offensive lineman are 320 pounds or heavier because Andy Reid is insecurity about his own weight issues. Black is 320 pounds and can easily bulk up to 350 on Reid’s all fat diet.

56. Green Bay Packers- CB Trevard Lindley (Kentucky)

Al Harris just turned 35 and missed a good portion of the season with injuries, which have been plaguing him for years. Tramon Williams was decent, but not great in relief of Harris. Even if he does pan out well longterm, Charles Woodson, despite winning defensive player of the year, is 33 and will turn 34 next October. He can’t play that well forever. The Packers, who always like to take best available, will take Lindley, who would fit their scheme like a glove, because he will provide them some much needed cornerback depth.

57. Baltimore Ravens- CB Domonique Franks (Oklahoma)

After Lardarius Webb got hurt, the Ravens had to starting kick returner Chris Carr at cornerback. I think its safe to say they need some cornerback depth and Franks provides good depth and upside at the position.

58. Arizona Cardinals- OT Kyle Calloway (Iowa)

Both Levi Brown and Mike Gandy gave up 9 sacks last season. Imagine how good their offense could be if the quarterback didn’t have to worry about getting knocked to the ground every play. Kurt Warner dealt with it alright, but Matt Leinart is a little less mentally tough (and by a little, I mean a lot), so if Warner follows through with his retirement, depth at the offensive line position will be much needed.

59. Dallas Cowboys- OG Vladimir Ducasse (Massachusetts)

In case you couldn’t tell during their playoff game against the Vikings, in which Tony Romo was sacked 6 times, the Cowboys at least need some depth at the offensive line position. All 5 of their starting offensive lineman from last year are currently 30 or older. Ducasse can play both guard positions, in addition to right tackle, and possibly left tackle. He’s also 340 pounds and the Cowboys like their offensive lineman big.

60. San Diego Chargers- RB Ryan Matthews (Fresno State)

Its safe to say after his awful stinker of a season, in which he averaged 3.3 YPA, LT won’t be back next season. The Chargers can safe money by cutting him so I wouldn’t be surprised if they cut him. Even if they don’t cut him, he’s not going to be around much longer so I would be really surprised if they didn’t draft a running back in the first 3 rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft. Matthews is a complete back and a good pass blocker for his age which are both things the Chargers like in a running back. He would be a good compliment to Darren Sproles should they decide to keep him.

61. New York Jets- WR Jeremy Williams (Tulane)

Braylon Edwards wasn’t awful last season with the Jets with 35 catches for 541 yards and 4 touchdowns, but when you consider he was targeted 70 times you’d expect him to have done a lot more statistically. He’s a free agent this offseason and if they’re smart, they’ll only resign him if he takes a reduced rate. Regardless of whether or not he is back, they could use another wide receiver. Jeremy Williams has a history of injuries, but more upside than any wide receiver on the board and for the Jets who have few needs, that’s enough.

62. Minnesota Vikings- FS Darrell Stuckney (Kansas)

The Vikings never replaced Darren Sharper. Drafting Stuckney would allow them do that. They don’t have many other needs to worry about.

63. New Orleans Saints- DT Vince Oghobaase (Duke)

The Saints run defense really struggled without Sedrick Ellis this season and even weren’t that great when Ellis was in the lineup so it would make sense for them to draft a defensive tackle to play inside with Ellis. Oghobaase has more upside than any player left on the board and the Saints don’t really need to make a safe pick.

64. Indianapolis Colts- OLB Daryl Washington (TCU)

The Colts always like to use the middle rounds to get outside linebacker help, but they need help there now so I wouldn’t be surprised if they took one earlier than normal. Washington can also play middle linebacker if Gary Brackett decides to leave as a free agent and he is a great fit for their cover 2 scheme. 

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1/15/10

With the deadline for declaring for the NFL Draft already passed, this is our best opportunity yet to predict the first round of the NFL Draft. Note, players can still withdraw themselves from the draft pool before January 18th, but 1st round prospects rarely do. I will add a 2nd round to this mock in about a week, right before the Senior Bowl. 

1. St. Louis Rams 1-15

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, unless the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future. Many will argue Ndamukong Suh here, but, as dominant of a prospect he is, he doesn’t have the positional value here. History has shown, if a team needs a left tackle or quarterback early in the draft, they will take that above all else, even the consensus top prospect. Remember Glenn Dorsey? How about Aaron Curry? Here’s some facts. Since 1998, 36 players have gone in the top three overall. 15 have been quarterbacks, 6 have been offensive tackles, and 6 have been defensive ends. That’s only 25% that aren’t quarterbacks, offensive tackles, or defensive ends. When you look closer, all 12 #1 overall picks since 1998 have been quarterback, offensive tackles, or defensive end. The Rams don’t need an offensive tackle or defensive end, so it’ll be quarterback here. Right now, other mock drafter seem to be split 50/50 on Clausen and Suh. For more information check out the Sports Jabber Mock Draft Database.

2. Detroit Lions 2-14

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they will take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player, by far, and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 21st against the run, although they have looked better over the past few weeks. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development. But, you can’t really blame the Lions for taking the best available player, especially when he’s a player that is as dominant at his position as Ndamukong Suh. Only 1 defensive tackle has gone in the top three since 1998, but Suh is that good.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

The Bucs want to build around their defensive line. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available. He’s not the dominant defensive tackle Suh is, but he’s a great finesse one gap penetrator at defensive tackle that could flourish if the Bucs decide to switch back to a Tampa 2 defensive system. The Bucs could also trade down if someone like Seattle offers enough to move up here and take a franchise left tackle like Russell Okung because, even though he’ll probably be the guy they’re targeting, they can get McCoy a few picks farther down.

4. Washington Redskins 4-12

The writing is on the wall for Jason Campbell. There’s a new head coach and a new GM in town. The guys who drafted him are gone, most of them long gone. He just happened to have his 2 worst games of his career in the last 3 weeks of this season and now he’s a restricted free agent. Even if the Redskins tender him a contract, they’ll likely trade him to the highest bidder and even if he isn’t traded, he’ll likely only be back on a one year deal to be a stop gap while a young quarterback waits to take over in 2011, a smart idea. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford has a lot of issues, namely his injured shoulder and the system he played in during college, but if history is any indicator, there’s a good chance he sneaks up into the top 5. Last year, I had Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman in the 2^nd round at this points. Sanchez went 5^th and Freeman went 17^th. Why? If a team needs a quarterback in the first round, chances are they take one even if it’s a reach. There are way too many teams with needs at the quarterback position this year, including Washington, for guys like Bradford and Tim Tebow, who look like borderline 1^st round picks on paper, to not go in the top 15.

5. Kansas City Chiefs 4-12

Brandan Albert was one of the worst starting left tackles in the league this year and he’s movable, either by trade or more likely to a different position, for many reasons. He doesn’t have a large contract. The regime that drafted him is no longer in town. He has versatility position wise and can also play right tackle or left guard in addition to left tackle. There’s a very good chance that Albert isn’t their left tackle next year and if Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is still available at #5, I would be very surprised if they didn’t draft him. The only reason I can see them passing on Okung is if they have their mind set on signing Matt Light in 2011 in an attempt to recreate the 2003 New England Patriots. I hear Ty Law and Troy Brown are still looking for work.

6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

Pete Carroll could go a number of ways with his two first round picks. He could go best available. He could draft for need. He could value getting his own franchise quarterback above anything and with the way Matt Hasselbeck played at the end of the season last year, that might not be a bad idea. He could value drafting former USC players above anything. However, there’s one thing that I think is certain. If a player as good as Tennessee FS Eric Berry is available at #6, Carroll, unless he’s completely inept, is going to take him. Carroll knows talent obviously as shown by his major success at USC and I highly doubt he passes on someone as talented as Eric Berry.

7. Cleveland Browns 5-11

This is where the draft hits a crossroad. I have no idea what the Browns are going to do here. Eric Mangini didn’t draft his own guy at quarterback last year in his first offseason and with new team president Mike Holmgren, there’s a chance they go that direction, but I doubt they’ll reach for Tim Tebow to do it, especially with how much Eric Mangini enjoyed drafting random positions last year. Plus, I don’t think we’ve seen enough of Brady Quinn to call him a bust yet. I think the Browns will either draft down or go best available, but the problem is, determining who I believe they will see as best available. This pick could very well be Derrick Morgan, but he’s not a good fit for the 3-4 defense, so I won’t mock him here unless I here something from Cleveland saying that the coaching staff believes him to have the ability to play rush linebacker. Rolando McClain makes sense and I’ve actually had him here at this spot before, but then again, 3-4 middle linebackers rarely go top 10. Even Patrick Willis slipped to #11. That leaves Dez Bryant and Joe Haden, a wide receiver and a cornerback. I’ll go with Florida CB Joe Haden for now because Mangini obviously enjoys less valuable positions like cornerback…or center, but don’t quote me on this one just yet.

8. Oakland Raiders 5-11

JaMarcus Russell could be easily replaced with a large sack of potatoes with a Raiders Jersey on it and no one would notice. Because of that, quarterback is a major possibility here, especially if Tebow runs a fast 40 like Al Davis likes, but I don’t think his arm is quite strong enough for Davis’ liking. Davis would have likely drafted USC FS Taylor Mays at #7 last year if he hadn’t returned to school. While at school, Mays’ flaws were exposed in a big way, but of course Al Davis hasn’t noticed because he’s been dead for 3 years. If Mays can live up to his measurables, 6-3 230 4.3, he’s a very good candidate to go here.

9. Buffalo Bills 6-10

The Bills gave Trent Edwards a bunch of weapons to work with but they lacked that true pass blocking left tackle and thus Edwards struggled this season and was benched and the Bills sit here at 6-10 drafting in the top ten yet again. Langston Walker was supposed to start at left tackle this year, but he was cut right before the season. That’s a very bad sign. Demetrius Bell, their new starting left tackle, leads the league in penalties and their offensive line as a whole had 9 false starts earlier this season in a loss to the Browns. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis has really jumped onto the national stage as an elite franchise left tackle in past weeks so he could very well be the 2^nd offensive tackle off the board. He’ll also remind the Bills a bit of Jason Peters, who worked out well for them as a left tackle for a few years before they traded him last year. Both Davis and Peters are big over powering left tackles that are overrated pass blockers and dominant run blockers.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-9

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver pretty much promised that the Jags would draft in state Florida QB Tim Tebow in the first round in an attempt to sell more tickets and save the franchise’s future in Jacksonville. He seems to have forgotten that the Jags already have a good quarterback, David Garrard, who has a 60% completion percentage in each of his four years as starter as well as 59 touchdowns to 35 picks, but I guess the Jags will do what they have to do to make Jacksonville football fans, who clearly don’t care, come to the stadium, rather than moving the team to a city that deserves a franchise like San Antonio or Los Angeles. The Senior Bowl will be extremely important to Tebow as with a bad game, he could play himself out of this spot and then drop who knows how far, but I think at the moment, this spot is his to lose.

11. Denver Broncos (via CHI) 8-8

Remember week 6 when the Broncos were 6-0 and had a 3.5 game lead on the division and they were giving up 3.3 YPC. Those days are long gone. The Broncos finished 8-8 and 5 games behind in the division and gave up 4.5 YPC for the season, a number that would be a lot higher if you took out their somewhat fluky run stopping days of weeks 1-6. It makes sense that they can’t stop the run. They couldn’t last year and all new coach Josh McDaniels did to fix that is change to a more complicated defensive system and make a front 7 out of 2 starters from last year’s miserable run stopping bunch, a 2009 1^st round pick playing out of position, and cast offs from the Niners and Browns. They will take the best 3-4 front 7 player available here. That would be Alabama MLB Rolando McClain who is one of the best pure 3-4 middle linebackers prospects of the last ten years. If the Broncos trade Brandon Marshall, a strong, but stupid possibility, this pick will be Dez Bryant. The Broncos can’t go into 2010 with the same receiving corps they had week 17 without Marshall. They had no deep target and just threw short passes all week. Even the Chiefs weren’t fooled by that and destroyed the Broncos at home, knocking them out of the playoffs.

12. Miami Dolphins 7-9

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody here. He may be a 2 down nose tackle in the NFL, but so is Kris Jenkins of the Jets and we all saw how bad their run defense got in a hurry after he got hurt. The Dolphins don’t have another starting caliber nose tackle on the roster and this is an extremely weak nose tackle class so they need to take one here, whether they like Cody or a less dominant, but more versatile guy like Dan Williams, is unknown at the moment.

13. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. I don’t think Shawntae Spencer is the answer either, but with Nate Clements reportedly moving to free safety next year, Spencer is probably going to start another year. Regardless, they would still need a corner to play opposite him. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is shooting up draft board this season, after a down year last season. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run which Mike Singletary will love. Bruce Campbell is also a possibility here as the Niners need an offensive tackle, but the offensive tackle class is a lot deeper than the cornerback class in the first round and they can still get a good one at #17. Warren won’t be there at #17 and they’ll have to settle for a much weaker cornerback prospect.

14. Seattle Seahawks 5-11 (via DEN)

Pete Carroll has a pretty easy first round of his first NFL draft since returning to the NFL this year, huh? Just take the guy who is glaringly the best player available and fills a major need. Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard. Campbell is a steal here.

15. New York Giants 8-8

The Giants gave up the 13^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 3rd most points. That means they gave up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they couldn’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Texas FS Earl Thomas is the top safety available and is both a great ballhawker and a solid hustle run stopper and tackler for his size. The Giants couldn’t tackle anyone in the open field late in the season against Carolina and Minnesota and lost in embarrassing fashion and fell out of the playoffs.

16. Tennessee Titans 8-8

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starting corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where two key members of the rotation, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Morgan could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense. Morgan is that physical type of defensive end that Tennessee likes. He’s also the best available player here and the Titans should be very glad that teams won’t see the 270-275 pound Morgan as a rush linebacker.

17. San Francisco 49ers 8-8 (via CAR)

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available offensive tackle.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

Obviously the defense was a major issue this year for the Steelers, but assuming Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu are ready for 2010, they’ll be a lot better on that side of the ball. Unless there’s a huge steal of a defensive prospect available here, I doubt they focus on that side of the ball. Ben Roethlisberger statistically had his best career season, but also was sacked 50 times this season, despite missing a game with a concussion. He suffered an arm injury in the last game of the season which could have sidelined him into the playoffs if the Steelers made it and to make things worse, most of their depth on the offensive line is a free agent this offseason. There isn’t really a stand out offensive tackle available here that fits the Steelers criteria of an offensive lineman, big, strong, mauler. However, there is one offensive guard who fits that criteria like a glove. Idaho OG Mike Iupati has prematurely been compared to Larry Allen. I am extremely excited to watch him at the Senior Bowl. He’ll fit their scheme and their need very well and will upgrade both their pass blocking and run blocking for next season.

19. Atlanta Falcons 9-7

After 3 years and 2.5 sacks, I think it’s time for the Falcons to write former #8 overall pick Jamaal Anderson off as a bust and start fresh at the defensive end position opposite John Abraham. They got burnt through the air a lot this season and a lot of that had to do with their poor cornerback play since Brian Williams’ injury, but their 28 sacks as a team didn’t help. USC DE Everson Griffen has all the talent of a #1 defensive end in the future, but he just needs to put it all together. He could actually go top 10 if he runs a sub 4.6 40 at 275 pounds, which I think would be a mistake because his production in college to this point has been limited. However, there’s no question he could be a future #1 defensive end.

20. Houston Texans 9-7

Since taking over as coach in 2006, Gary Kubiak has drafted 3 players in the trenches with his 4 first round picks. There’s a good chance he does that again this year, especially defensively, as Houston was still middle of the pack against the run this season, and ranked near the bottom in sacks. They really lack that big mauling 4-3 nose tackle type guy on their defensive line and Tennessee DT Dan Williams would fit their need on the defensive line very well. Unlike Terrence Cody, Williams can play both the 4-3 or 3-4 schemes and actually has experience playing in a system similar to Houston’s, last year playing for Tennessee.

21. Cincinnati Bengals 9-8

From week 9, when Chris Henry went out with an injury to the end of the season, Carson Palmer threw for 1254 yards in 8 games, 427 coming in games against the Lions and Raiders. Chris Henry died in December after a tragic accident. RIP. However, in football, life moves on, it has to. They need a deep threat to compliment Chad Ochocinco otherwise Palmer is doomed to have another mediocre year. In fact, as shown in the playoffs, he could be worse than mediocre next year if they don’t get a deep threat at wide receiver. The Bengals have shown in the past that they are willing to take chances on questionable character guys so they shouldn’t have any qualms about drafting Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant who was suspended for the entire season for lying about where he had lunch with Deion Sanders or something like that. Bryant would be a huge steal here.

22. New England Patriots 10-7

As a Patriots fan, the Pats’ defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him against New Orleans and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well. They’re also always a candidate to trade down.

23. Green Bay Packers 10-7

The Packers have done a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

24. Philadelphia Eagles 11-6

Andy Reid always likes to build in the trenches, especially with big fat guys that make him feel better about his own weight problems. At 280-290 pounds, Florida DE Carlos Dunlap is big and fills a need at left end. He has huge upside, but not good character and he looked lazy at times on the field last year and ended up being suspended in December for a DUI. However, ever since he signed that big contract extension, Andy Reid has been taking a lot more risks on guys with character issues (Michael Vick).

25. New York Jets 10-7

Braylon Edwards is looking like a bust of a trade. Statistically he has been alright, but he seems to drop about half of the balls that hit him in the hands. Good thing they didn’t give up a lot for him. They can simply let him walk this offseason as a free agent, though if the price is right they’ll retain him. However, they’ll need a new #1 option. USC WR Damian Williams is my top rated wide receiver and has #1 option written all over him with his elite route running. He has played with quarterback Mark Sanchez before at USC and that will do a ton for young Sanchez’s confidence. That will be huge.

26. Baltimore Ravens 10-7

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver in 2009 which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is playing very well this season and is the type of wide receiver the Ravens need. He is tough and can block and has experience in a conservative pro style offense at LSU. He’ll fit in the Ravens’ offense very nicely and can help them right away.

27. Arizona Cardinals 11-6

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future. Quarterback is a possibility here if Kurt Warner decides to retire, which he hinted he is strongly considering. Matt Leinart flat out stunk this year when he got the opportunity to show his skills and if the Cardinals want to continue to be competitive next year, they may want to consider drafting a quarterback here just in case Leinart sucks again. As I said, if a team needs a quarterback, there’s a good chance they take one and Tony Pike would fit their scheme well, but I think the Cardinals will value Gresham’s skills over Pike’s positional value.

28. Dallas Cowboys 12-5

Jerry Jones likes money and big name players so he’ll draft Florida MLB Brandon Spikes. The Cowboys will be looking for inside linebackers that can play both 3-4 and 4-3, because Wade Phillips might not be back next season. Spikes can play both and the Cowboys will be looking for linebackers after failing to upgrade Zach Thomas last offseason, only replacing him with Keith Brooking, who is also on the wrong side of 30.

29. Minnesota Vikings 12-4

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but I doubt the Vikings would reach a quarterback in this situation, especially since all of the quarterbacks available here could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in UCLA DT Brian Price, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Price is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely. He should be able to capitalize on his 7 sacks this season and get drafted in the first round as the 3^rd defensive tackle off the board.

30. San Diego Chargers 13-3

Picking for the Chargers is always pretty random. They must just pick a position out of a hat and draft a player at that position every year. In the past three years, they have gone wide receiver, cornerback, rush linebacker, none of which were needs at the time and none of which actually panned out. I have a good feeling they could go with a strong safety this year. LSU SS Chad Jones might be the best pure strong safety in this draft class and he fits what the Chargers look for in a player because he’s tall.

31. New Orleans Saints 13-3

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

32. Indianapolis Colts 14-2

The Colts drafted Fili Moala in the 2^nd round last year in an attempt to fix their run defense, but he only had 7 tackles this year (surprise). 3 of those tackles came in meaningless games late in the season. Even if he does pan out, they still need an upgrade next to him, so don’t be surprised if they draft a defensive tackle again this year, especially one like Penn State DT Jared Odrick who would fit the scheme like a glove.

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1/4/10

1. St. Louis Rams 1-15

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, unless the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future. Many will argue Ndamukong Suh here, but, as dominant of a prospect he is, he doesn’t have the positional value here. History has shown, if a team needs a left tackle or quarterback early in the draft, they will take that above all else, even the consensus top prospect. Remember Glenn Dorsey? How about Aaron Curry? Right now, other mock drafter seem to be split 50/50 on Clausen and Suh. For more information check out the Sports Jabber Mock Draft Database.

2. Detroit Lions 2-14

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they will take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player, by far, and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 21st against the run, although they have looked better over the past few weeks. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development. But, you can’t really blame the Lions for taking the best available player, especially when he’s a player that is as dominant at his position as Ndamukong Suh.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

The Bucs want to build around their defensive line. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available. He’s not the dominant defensive tackle Suh is, but he’s a great finesse one gap penetrator at defensive tackle that could flourish if the Bucs decide to switch back to a Tampa 2 defensive system. The Bucs could also trade down if someone like Seattle offers enough to move up here and take a franchise left tackle like Russell Okung because, even though he’ll probably be the guy they’re targeting, they can get McCoy a few picks farther down.

4. Washington Redskins 4-12

Quarterback is going to be a need for them this offseason. If there was any doubt that Jason Campbell would not be resigned by the team, its gone now as he really stunk it up in the last three weeks since they hired new GM Bruce Allen. However, I don’t think they can pass on a franchise left tackle like Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung after all of the problems they have had protecting the quarterback this year. Chris Samuels might not play again anyway.

5. Kansas City Chiefs 4-12

The Chiefs desperately need someone who can get pressure on the quarterback. They had 10 sacks last season and didn’t really do anything to fix that with the exception of moving to a defensive scheme their players don’t fit in. This year, they only had 22 and their defense is being destroyed. However, this draft is really weak on pass rushers so they’ll just go best defensive player here. It’ll be hard for them to pass up Tennessee FS Eric Berry. He’s one of the best safety prospects to come out of college football in a longtime. He should become that Ed Reed type player at the next level, who makes a bad defense passable, a passable defense good, and a good defense great. The Chiefs desperately need that. Their defense gave up the 3^rd most yards of any defense in the league and the 4thmost points.

6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

There’s no question that they need a new quarterback. Matt Hasselbeck looks done back there. He’s got a bad case of Marc Bulgeritis. He’s taken so many hits at an advanced age, in football terms, that he literally is just throwing the ball anywhere to avoid hits and that translated to 9 picks over the last 3 weeks of the season. If they can get him some protection he may have one more good year in him, but that’s it. They desperately need a quarterback of the future. There are a lot of concerns about Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, not a lot of experience under center, an injured shoulder, but this guy turned in one of the most dominant seasons in college football season last season as a mere redshirt sophomore, which a lot of people are forgetting. Plus, he wasn’t bad his freshman year either. If he gets that redshirt year in Seattle for a year behind Hasselbeck, he should be ready to take the reigns to this team and lead them to great things in 2011 and beyond.  

7. Cleveland Browns 5-11

Assuming Eric Mangini is still the coach next season, which I believe he will be because he has won four straight games and the only guy they have really had any interest in bringing in to replace him is now in the front office of the Browns, the Browns will go best available regardless of position. Last season, when they needed a face of the franchise quarterback, they traded down from the 5^th slot where they could have drafted Mark Sanchez. After that, instead of drafting a rush linebacker or a running back, both of which the desperately needed, they went with Alex Mack, a center. Yes, Mack was the best player available in terms of how dominant he could be at his respective position and already he is one of the top 5 centers in the league, but still, he was a center and it was the first round. I don’t know who Mangini sees as the best players available, but there’s a good chance it is Alabama MLB Rolando McClain who would be a great fit in the center of their 3-4 defense. Very few 3-4 middle linebacker prospects have more upside than him. I could see them taking a quarterback with Mike Holmgren now in the front office which technically qualifies as a new regime, plus Eric Mangini never did get a chance to draft his own guy last season, but I think they want to see more of Brady Quinn (353 career throws is not enough to call him a bust). They are also a candidate to trade down, as they did last year.

8. Oakland Raiders 5-11

JaMarcus Russell was benched earlier in the season for Bruce Gradkowski. As if it wasn’t embarrassing enough that he was benched for the Browns 2008 4^th string quarterback, after Gradkowski got hurt, Russell still wasn’t given his job back, instead the job went to Charlie Frye, who, in his only full season as starter, threw 17 picks to 10 touchdowns with the Browns in 2006. As if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, after Charlie Frye suffered a concussion in his first start back, Russell, who somehow may have accidentally led the Raiders to a win in relief of Frye, still didn’t start. The Raiders would rather start Frye with a concussion in a meaningless game over JaMarcus Russell. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they liked recently signed JP Losman over Russell. Tom Cable clearly does not like Russell and, even though Cable enjoys beating people up, Cable is likely going to be back as coach next year because for some reason, over all the other coaches that have been decent that he has had, Al Davis seems to trust Tom Cable. Or maybe Al Davis died up there in the owner’s box and no one noticed, but whatever the reason, Davis isn’t objecting to Cable being the coach and benching Russell repeatedly, so its safe to say this team is going to be looking for a new quarterback. Regardless of whether or not Al Davis is alive during the season, he always comes back to life on draft day to screw over the Raiders so if they draft a quarterback it will be one of his trademark amazing physical specimens. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett will probably throw the ball the longest straight down field at the combine and since we all know that is the only thing a good quarterback has to be able to do, Mallett is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and a huge steal here at 8.

9. Buffalo Bills 6-10

The Bills gave Trent Edwards a bunch of weapons to work with but they lacked that true pass blocking left tackle and thus Edwards struggled this season and was benched and the Bills sit here at 6-10 drafting in the top ten yet again. Langston Walker was supposed to start at left tackle this year, but he was cut right before the season. That’s a very bad sign. Demetrius Bell, their new starting left tackle, leads the league in penalties and their offensive line as a whole had 9 false starts earlier this season in a loss to the Browns. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis has really jumped onto the national stage as an elite franchise left tackle in past weeks so he could very well be the 2^nd offensive tackle off the board. He’ll also remind the Bills a bit of Jason Peters, who worked out well for them as a left tackle for a few years before they traded him last year. Both Davis and Peters are big over powering left tackles that are overrated pass blockers and dominant run blockers.

10. Denver Broncos 8-8 (via CHI)

Remember week 6 when the Broncos were 6-0 and had a 3.5 game lead on the division and they were giving up 3.3 YPC. Those days are long gone. The Broncos finished 8-8 and 5 games behind in the division and gave up 4.5 YPC for the season, a number that would be a lot higher if you took out their somewhat fluky run stopping days of weeks 1-6. It makes sense that they can’t stop the run. They couldn’t last year and all new coach Josh McDaniels did to fix that is change to a more complicated defensive system and make a front 7 out of 2 starters from last year’s miserable run stopping bunch, a 2009 1^st round pick playing out of position, and cast offs from the Niners and Browns. They will take the best 3-4 front 7 player available here. Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward is an underclassman who has not officially declared yet, but if he does, he could be regarded as the best pure 3-4 defensive end and that could shoot him up into the top 10 like it did with Tyson Jackson last season. Scouts will also like Heyward versatility as he can play 4-3 left end, cover 2 defensive tackle, and 3-4 defensive end. His size/speed combination, a projected 4.89 at 287 pounds, will also turn some heads. He proved in the Rose Bowl that he is worth a top ten pick.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-9

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver pretty much promised that the Jags would draft in state Florida QB Tim Tebow in the first round in an attempt to sell more tickets and save the franchise’s future in Jacksonville. He seems to have forgotten that the Jags already have a good quarterback, David Garrard, who has a 60% completion percentage in each of his four years as starter as well as 59 touchdowns to 35 picks, but I guess the Jags will do what they have to do to make Jacksonville football fans, who clearly don’t care, come to the stadium, rather than moving the team to a city that deserves a franchise like San Antonio or Los Angeles.

12. Miami Dolphins 7-9

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody here. He may be a 2 down nose tackle in the NFL, but so is Kris Jenkins of the Jets and we all saw how bad their run defense got in a hurry after he got hurt.

13. San Francisco 49ers 8-8

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. I don’t think Shawntae Spencer is the answer either, but with Nate Clements reportedly moving to free safety next year, Spencer is probably going to start another year. Regardless, they would still need a corner to play opposite him. Florida CB Joe Haden is extremely athletic and physical and fits their coverage scheme like a glove.

14. Seattle Seahawks 6-10 (via DEN) 

Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard.

15. New York Giants 8-8

The Giants give up the 13^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 3rd most points. That means they are giving up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they can’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Texas FS Earl Thomas is the top safety available and is both a great ballhawker and a solid hustle run stopper and tackler for his size. The Giants couldn’t tackle anyone in the open field last week against Carolina.

16. Tennessee Titans 8-8

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starting corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where two key members of the rotation, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Morgan could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense. Morgan is that physical type of defensive end that Tennessee likes. 

17. San Francisco 49ers 8-8 (via CAR)

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available offensive tackle.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

Its painfully obvious that the Steelers need offensive line help after giving up 20 sacks to the Browns, Packers, Ravens, and Dolphins in the last 4 weeks of the season. However, they’ve needed offensive line help for years and haven’t done anything about it. Plus, its also painfully obvious that Mike Tomlin doesn’t trust his defense, even more painfully obvious than their offensive line is bad. Mike Tomlin tried an onside kick with a 2 point lead in a game late in the season against the Packers because he didn’t trust his defense to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Packers would recover and score and if it weren’t for late game heroics from Big Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin would have been the laughing stock of the NFL. That is how far this defense has fallen since being one of the best in history last year. The biggest reason for their defensive struggles has been Troy Polamalu’s injuries. In the 5 games in which he has played, the Steelers are 4-1 and are allowed 13.8 points per game. In the games he has missed, they give up 23.2 and are consequently 5-6. Their lack of a good safety opposite him is obvious. I don’t think Mike Tomlin could resist drafting USC SS Taylor Mays to pair with Polamalu. Mays is extremely raw, but with the right coaching, which the Steelers definitely have, he could be a bigger faster Troy Polamalu. If you thought one Troy Polamalu was scary, imagine two. He'd have to grow his hair out though to get the whole fear effect.

19. Atlanta Falcons 9-7

The Falcons weren’t very good against the pass before Brian Williams went down, but when he did, things just went south in the Atlanta defensive backfield and they can’t stop anyone, not even rookie quarterback Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers. Brian Williams is a good cornerback, but they lack any depth behind him. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is a great fit for their man coverage scheme and would compliment Brian Williams well at cornerback. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run.

20. Houston Texans 9-7

The Texans only have 22 sacks this season. Mario Williams only has 8 sacks this season because he’s being double teamed constantly. In addition to drawing the name for starting running back out of a hat, there’s one thing you can always count on Coach Gary Kubiak to do, build around his offensive and defensive lines. If the Texans get a chance to draft a big time every down left end like USC DE Everson Griffen, I think Kubiak takes it, assuming he hasn't been fired by then, which I don’t think he will be because he closed the season out on a 4 game winning streak and delivered the first winning season in franchise history.

21. New York Jets 9-7

Braylon Edwards is looking like a bust of a trade. Statistically he has been alright, but he seems to drop about half of the balls that hit him in the hands. Good thing they didn’t give up a lot for him. They can simply let him walk this offseason as a free agent, though if the price is right they’ll retain him. However, they’ll need a new #1 option. USC WR Damian Williams is my top rated wide receiver and has #1 option written all over him with his elite route running. He has played with quarterback Mark Sanchez before at USC and that will do a ton for young Sanchez’s confidence. That will be huge.

22. Baltimore Ravens 9-7

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver in 2009 which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is playing very well this season and is the type of wide receiver the Ravens need. He is tough and can block and has experience in a conservative pro style offense at LSU. He’ll fit in the Ravens’ offense very nicely and can help them right away.

23. Arizona Cardinals 10-6

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future.

24. Cincinnati Bengals 10-6

From week 9, when Chris Henry went out with an injury to the end of the season, Carson Palmer threw for 1254 yards in 8 games, 427 coming in games against the Lions and Raiders. Chris Henry died in December after a tragic accident. RIP. However, in football, life moves on, it has to. They need a deep threat to compliment Chad Ochocinco otherwise Palmer is doomed to have another mediocre year. The Bengals have shown in the past that they are willing to take chances on questionable character guys so they shouldn’t have any qualms about drafting Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant who was suspended for the entire season for lying about where he had lunch with Deion Sanders or something like that. Bryant would be a huge steal here.

25. New England Patriots 10-6

As a Patriots fan, the Pats’ defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him against New Orleans and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well. They’re also always a candidate to trade down.

26. Green Bay Packers 11-5

Add bruised ribs to the laundry list of minor injuries Aaron Rodgers has sustained this season, along with two sprained feet. The Packers have done a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

27. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5

Even with all of the offensive linemen the Eagles brought in during the offseason, they are still not playing well on the offensive front. Andy Reid, who loves to draft offensive linemen, will want to do something about that this year and draft the biggest offensive lineman available to help himself feel more secure about his own weight problems. He doesn’t have a starting offensive lineman who weighs less than 320 pounds. 330 pound Anthony Davis isn’t available, so 330 pound Idaho OG Mike Iupati will have to do. Think Andy Reid won’t draft an offensive guard in the first round, think again. He’s done it before.

28. Dallas Cowboys 11-5

Jerry Jones likes money and big name players so he’ll draft Florida MLB Brandon Spikes. The Cowboys will be looking for inside linebackers that can play both 3-4 and 4-3, because Wade Phillips might not be back next season. Spikes can play both and the Cowboys will be looking for linebackers after failing to upgrade Zach Thomas last offseason, only replacing him with Keith Brooking.

29. Minnesota Vikings 12-4

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but I doubt the Vikings would reach a quarterback in this situation, especially since all of the quarterbacks available here could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in UCLA DT Brian Price, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Price is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely. He should be able to capitalize on his 7 sacks this season and get drafted in the first round as the 3^rd defensive tackle off the board.

30. New Orleans Saints 13-3

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

31. San Diego Chargers 13-3

Jamal Williams went on IR after week 1 and he’s also getting up there in age so, without a solid replacement for him on the active roster, which the Chargers have proved they don’t have this season, they’ll be looking for a big nose tackle in the offseason, most likely through the draft. Tennessee NT Dan Williams is a complete nose tackle who is shooting up draft board this season and could very well go in the first round because big nose tackles that move like him are extremely rare.

32. Indianapolis Colts 14-2

The Colts know value and need an upgrade at outside linebacker. Georgia OLB Rennie Curran has great potential, but drops because of his position, inexperience, and lack of size. For the Colts, he’s an extremely valuable player who fills a need and fits their cover 2 system perfectly, despite his lack of size, because he is good in pass coverage and has great speed. They can afford to wait on him to develop.

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Week 17

1. St. Louis Rams 1-14

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, unless the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future.

2. Detroit Lions 2-13

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they will take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player, by far, and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 21st against the run, although they have looked better over the past few weeks. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development. But, you can’t really blame the Lions for taking the best available player, especially when he’s a player that is as dominant at his position as Ndamukong Suh.

3. Kansas City Chiefs 3-12

The Chiefs desperately need someone who can get pressure on the quarterback. They had 10 sacks last season and didn’t really do anything to fix that with the exception of moving to a defensive scheme their players don’t fit in. This year, they only have 20 and their defense is being destroyed. However, this draft is really weak on pass rushers so they’ll just go best defensive player here. It’ll be heard for them to pass up Tennessee FS Eric Berry. He’s one of the best safety prospects to come out of college football in a longtime. He should become that Ed Reed type player at the next level, who makes a bad defense passable, a passable defense good, and a good defense great. The Chiefs desperately need that. Their defense gives up the 3^rd most yards of any defense in the league and the 3^rdmost points as well.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-12

With their franchise quarterback and franchise left tackle already secured, it would make a ton of sense for the Bucs to just go best available player that is not a quarterback or left tackle here, but that is a little tricky at this point with Berry and Suh, the two guys who are clearly the top two non quarterback/left tackle players in this draft class, already off the board. They could go wide receiver with Antonio Bryant being a free agent this offseason and Michael Clayton stinking it up again after getting a big contract extension last season, but a wide receiver would be a huge reach here. This draft class doesn’t have that one dominant Michael Crabtree or Calvin Johnson type wide receiver that deserves to be drafted this high. They could go defensive end with a guy like Derrick Morgan because, after giving up on Gaines Adams, they lack a real #1 defensive end of the future, but this is a top weak, middle heavy draft class at defensive end so they can still get a good pass rusher in the 2^nd round with one of their two picks. Defensive backs and linebackers are out because they just don’t have the positional value at #4, so the last remaining option would be defensive tackle where Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available. He’s not the dominant defensive tackle Suh is, but he’s a great finesse one gap penetrator at defensive tackle that could flourish if the Bucs decide to switch back to a Tampa 2 defensive system. The Bucs could also trade down if both Suh and Berry are off the board and someone like Seattle offers enough to move up here and take a franchise left tackle like Russell Okung.

5. Washington Redskins 4-11

Quarterback is going to be a need for them this offseason. If there was any doubt that Jason Campbell would not be resigned by the team, its gone now as he has really stunk it up in the last two weeks since they hired new GM Bruce Allen. However, I don’t think they can pass on a franchise left tackle like Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung after all of the problems they have had protecting the quarterback this year. Chris Samuels might not play again anyway.

6. Cleveland Browns 4-11

Assuming Eric Mangini is still the coach next season, which I believe he will be because he has won three straight games and the only guy they have really had any interest in bringing in to replace him is now in the front office of the Browns, the Browns will go best available regardless of position. Last season, when they needed a face of the franchise quarterback, they traded down from the 5^th slot where they could have drafted Mark Sanchez. After that, instead of drafting a rush linebacker or a running back, both of which the desperately needed, they went with Alex Mack, a center. Yes, Mack was the best player available in terms of how dominant he could be at his respective position and already he is one of the top 5 centers in the league, but still, he was a center and it was the first round. I don’t know who Mangini sees as the best players available, but there’s a good chance it is Alabama MLB Rolando McClain who would be a great fit in the center of their 3-4 defense. Very few 3-4 middle linebacker prospects have more upside than him. I could see them taking a quarterback with Mike Holmgren now in the front office which technically qualifies as a new regime, plus Eric Mangini never did get a chance to draft his own guy last season, but I think they want to see more of Brady Quinn (353 career throws is not enough to call him a bust). They are also a candidate to trade down for a team that wants to move up and take Sam Bradford.

7. Seattle Seahawks 5-10

There’s no question that they need a new quarterback. Matt Hasselbeck looks done back there. He’s got a bad case of Marc Bulgeritis. He’s taken so many hits at an advanced age, in football terms, that he literally is just throwing the ball anywhere to avoid hits and that translated to 4 picks last week. If they can get him some protection he may have one more good year in him, but that’s it. They desperately need a quarterback of the future. There are a lot of concerns about Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, not a lot of experience under center, an injured shoulder, but this guy turned in one of the most dominant seasons in college football season last season as a mere redshirt sophomore, which a lot of people are forgetting. Plus, he wasn’t bad his freshman year either. If he gets that redshirt year in Seattle for a year behind Hasselbeck, he should be ready to take the reigns to this team and lead them to great things in 2011 and beyond.  

8. Oakland Raiders 5-10

JaMarcus Russell was benched earlier in the season for Bruce Gradkowski. As if it wasn’t embarrassing enough that he was benched for the Browns 2008 4^th string quarterback, after Gradkowski got hurt, Russell still wasn’t given his job back, instead the job went to Charlie Frye, who, in his only full season as starter, threw 17 picks to 10 touchdowns with the Browns in 2006. As if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, after Charlie Frye suffered a concussion in his first start back, Russell, who somehow may have accidentally led the Raiders to a win in relief of Frye, still didn’t start. The Raiders would rather start Frye with a concussion in a meaningless game over JaMarcus Russell. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they liked recently signed JP Losman over Russell. Tom Cable clearly does not like Russell and, even though Cable enjoys beating people up, Cable is likely going to be back as coach next year because for some reason, over all the other coaches that have been decent that he has had, Al Davis seems to trust Tom Cable. Or maybe Al Davis died up there in the owner’s box and no one noticed, but whatever the reason, Davis isn’t objecting to Cable being the coach and benching Russell repeatedly, so its safe to say this team is going to be looking for a new quarterback. Regardless of whether or not Al Davis is alive during the season, he always comes back to life on draft day to screw over the Raiders so if they draft a quarterback it will be one of his trademark amazing physical specimens. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett will probably throw the ball the longest straight down field at the combine and since we all know that is the only thing a good quarterback has to be able to do, Mallett is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and a huge steal here at 8.

9. Buffalo Bills 5-10

The Bills gave Trent Edwards a bunch of weapons to work with but they lacked that true pass blocking left tackle and thus Edwards struggled this season and was benched and the Bills sit here at 5-10. Langston Walker was supposed to start at left tackle this year, but he was cut right before the season. That’s a very bad sign. Demetrius Bell, their new starting left tackle, leads the league in penalties and their offensive line as a whole had 9 false starts earlier this season in a loss to the Browns. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis has really jumped onto the national stage as an elite franchise left tackle in past weeks so he could very well be the 2^nd offensive tackle off the board. He’ll also remind the Bills a bit of Jason Peters, who worked out well for them as a left tackle for a few years before they traded him last year. Both Davis and Peters are big over powering pass blocking left tackles.

10. Denver Broncos 8-7 (via CHI)

Remember week 6 when the Broncos were 6-0 and had a 3.5 game lead on the division and they were giving up 3.3 YPC. Those days are long gone. The Broncos are now 8-7 and are 4 games behind in the division and are giving up 4.1 YPC for the season, a number that would be a lot higher if you took out their somewhat fluky run stopping days of weeks 1-6. It makes sense that they can’t stop the run. They couldn’t last year and all new coach Josh McDaniels did to fix that is change to a more complicated defensive system and make a front 7 out of 2 starters from last year’s miserable run stopping bunch, a 2009 1^st round pick playing out of position, and cast offs from the Niners and Browns. They will take the best 3-4 front 7 player available here. Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward is an underclassman who has not officially declared yet, but if he does, he could be regarded as the best pure 3-4 defensive end and that could shoot him up into the top 10 like it did with Tyson Jackson last season. Scouts will also like Heyward versatility as he can play 4-3 left end, cover 2 defensive tackle, and 3-4 defensive end. His size/speed combination, a projected 4.89 at 287 pounds, will also turn some heads.

11. Miami Dolphins 7-8

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody here. He may be a 2 down nose tackle in the NFL, but so is Kris Jenkins of the Jets and we all saw how bad their run defense got in a hurry after he got hurt.

12. San Francisco 49ers 7-8 (via CAR)

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. The Niners need some young blood at the position. Florida CB Joe Haden is extremely athletic and physical and fits their coverage scheme like a glove.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-8

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver pretty much promised that the Jags would draft in state Florida QB Tim Tebow in the first round in an attempt to sell more tickets and safe the franchise’s future in Jacksonville. He seems to have forgotten that the Jags already have a good quarterback, David Garrard, who has a 60% completion percentage in each of his four years as starter as well as 57 touchdowns to 34 picks, but I guess the Jags will do what they have to do to make Jacksonville football fans, who clearly don’t care, come to the stadium, rather than moving the team to a city that deserves a franchise like San Antonio or Los Angeles.

14. San Francisco 49ers 7-8

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the second of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Maryland OT Bruce Campbell is shooting up draft boards with his strong season this year and is deserving of a top ten selection.

15. Tennessee Titans 7-8

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starter corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where both starters, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Morgan could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense. Morgan is that physical type of defensive end that Tennessee likes. 

16. New York Giants 8-7

The Giants give up the 10^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 5^th most points. That means they are giving up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they can’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Texas FS Earl Thomas is the top safety available and is both a great ballhawker and a solid hustle run stopper and tackler for his size. The Giants couldn’t tackle anyone in the open field last week against Carolina.

17. Houston Texans 8-7

The Texans have struggled with stopping the pass for years. They are better this year, but still not great and Dunta Robinson, their #1 corner, is a free agent this offseason. Neither of their starting cornerbacks, Robinson and rookie Glover Quin, who also could be upgraded, have an interception which is kind of pathetic. I don’t think they’ll pass on the opportunity to take a potential future #1 shutdown corner like Michigan CB Donovan Warren. He’s been compared to a young Darrelle Revis with his ability to take half the field away from a quarterback and force the offense to play 10 on 10 football.

18. New York Jets 8-7

Braylon Edwards is looking like a bust of a trade. Good thing they didn’t give up a lot for him. They can simply let him walk this offseason as a free agent, though if the price is right they’ll retain him. However, they’ll need a new #1 option. USC WR Damian Williams is my top rated wide receiver and has #1 option written all over him with his elite route running. He has played with quarterback Mark Sanchez before at USC and that will do a ton for young Sanchez’s confidence. That will be huge.

19. Atlanta Falcons 8-7

After 3 years and 2.5 sacks, I think it’s time for the Falcons to write former #8 overall pick Jamaal Anderson off as a bust and start fresh at the defensive end position opposite John Abraham. They have been getting burnt through the air a lot this season and a lot of that has to do with their poor cornerback play since Brian Williams’ injury, but their 27 sacks as a team aren’t helping. USC DE Everson Griffen has all the talent of a #1 defensive end in the future, but he just needs to put it all together. He could actually go top 10 if he runs a sub 4.6 40 at 275 pounds, which I think would be a mistake because his production in college to this point has been limited. However, there’s no question he could be a future #1 defensive end.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers 8-7

Its painfully obvious that the Steelers need offensive line help after giving up 17 sacks to the Browns, Packers, and Ravens in the past 3 weeks. However, they’ve needed offensive line help for years and haven’t done anything about it. Plus, its also painfully obvious that Mike Tomlin doesn’t trust his defense, even more painfully obvious than their offensive line is bad. Mike Tomlin tried an onside kick with a 2 point lead in a game two weeks ago against the Packers because he didn’t trust his defense to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Packers would recover and score and if it weren’t for late game heroics from Big Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin would have been the laughing stock of the NFL. That is how far this defense has fallen since being one of the best in the league last year. The biggest reason for their defensive struggles has been Troy Polamalu’s injuries. In the 5 games in which he has played, the Steelers are 4-1 and are allowed 13.8 points per game. In the games he has missed, they give up 23.1 and are consequently 4-6. Their lack of a good safety opposite him is obvious. I don’t think Mike Tomlin could resist drafting USC SS Taylor Mays to pair with Polamalu. Mays is extremely raw, but with the right coaching, which the Steelers definitely have, he could be a bigger faster Troy Polamalu. If you thought one Troy Polamalu was scary, imagine two. He'd have to grow his hair out though to get the whole fear effect.

21. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) 5-8

Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga, they can actually have a very strong young offensive line to protect whoever is playing quarterback in the future. Having Bulaga and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Williams at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard.

22. Dallas Cowboys 10-5

Jerry Jones likes money and the big name players so he’ll draft Florida MLB Brandon Spikes. The Cowboys will be looking for inside linebackers that can play both 3-4 and 4-3, because Wade Phillips might not be back next season. Spikes can play both and the Cowboys will be looking for linebackers after failing to upgrade Zach Thomas last offseason, only replacing him with Keith Brooking.

23. Baltimore Ravens 8-7

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver in 2009 which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is playing very well this season and is the type of wide receiver the Ravens need. He is tough and can block and has experience in a conservative pro style offense at LSU. He’ll fit in the Ravens’ offense very nicely and can help them right away.

24. Arizona Cardinals 10-5

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future.

25. Cincinnati Bengals 10-5

From week 9, when Chris Henry went out with an injury, to week 15, last week, Carson Palmer had thrown for 809 yards in 5 games, 427 coming in games against the Lions and Raiders. Chris Henry died last week after a tragic accident. RIP. However, in football, life moves on, it has to. They need a deep threat to compliment Chad Ochocinco otherwise Palmer is doomed to have another mediocre year. The Bengals have shown in the past that they are willing to take chances on questionable character guys so they shouldn’t have any qualms about drafting Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant who was suspended for the entire season for lying about where he had lunch with Deion Sanders or something like that. Bryant would be a huge steal here.

26. Green Bay Packers 10-5

Add bruised ribs to the laundry list of minor injuries Aaron Rodgers has sustained this season, along with two sprained feet. The Packers have done a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

27. New England Patriots 10-5

As a Patriots fan, the Pats’ defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him two weeks ago and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well.

28. Minnesota Vikings 11-4

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but, even if a new regime comes in, I doubt the Vikings would reach for Colt McCoy in this situation, especially since he could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in Penn State DT Jared Odrick, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Odrick is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely.

29. Philadelphia Eagles 11-4

Even with all of the offensive linemen the Eagles brought in during the offseason, they are still not playing well on the offensive front. Andy Reid, who loves to draft offensive linemen, will want to do something about that this year and draft the biggest offensive lineman available to help himself feel more secure about his own weight problems. He doesn’t have a starting offensive lineman who weighs less than 320 pounds. 330 pound Anthony Davis isn’t available, so 330 pound Idaho OG Mike Iupati will have to do. Think Andy Reid won’t draft an offensive guard in the first round, think again. He’s done it before.

30. San Diego Chargers 12-3

Jamal Williams went on IR after week 1 and he’s also getting up there in age so, without a solid replacement for him on the active roster, which the Chargers have proved they don’t have this season, they’ll be looking for a big nose tackle in the offseason, most likely through the draft. Tennessee NT Dan Williams is a complete nose tackle who is shooting up draft board this season and could very well go in the first round because big nose tackles that move like him are extremely rare.

31. New Orleans Saints 13-1

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

32. Indianapolis Colts 14-0

The Colts know value and need an upgrade at outside linebacker. Georgia OLB Rennie Curran has great potential, but drops because of his position, inexperience, and lack of size. For the Colts, he’s an extremely valuable player who fills a need and fits their cover 2 system perfectly, despite his lack of size, because he is good in pass coverage and has great speed. They can afford to wait on him to develop.

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-12/29/09 

Week 16

1. St. Louis Rams 1-13

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, unless the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-12

I have said this pick will come down to either Gerald McCoy or Carlos Dunlap in weeks past. However, I don’t think Dunlap will go this high because he’s really struggling this season and is getting a reputation as being lazy, which is very, very bad for him. Michael Johnson had top 5 pick potential last year and plummeted to round 3 when he was slapped with the lazy tag. Dunlap also was suspended for DUI. That being said, I don’t think this will be McCoy either, because Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is having a huge season and has really showcased himself as the complete defensive tackle. He’s having a huge year this year, better than McCoy, and makes more sense here. He also fits Tampa Bay’s scheme better.

3. Detroit Lions 2-12

I don’t like what the Lions did in their draft last year after they drafted Stafford. I don’t think they focused enough on their front 7 or their offensive line. The Lions will need a franchise left tackle to protect Matt Stafford if they want to avoid Stafford turning into David Carr, after passing on Jason Smith, Michael Oher, as well as both Eben Britton and William Beatty, twice. Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is the top left tackle in this class and is on the level of Joe Thomas, Jake Long, and Jason Smith. They need him here

4. Kansas City Chiefs 3-11

The Chiefs desperately need someone who can get pressure on the quarterback. They had 10 sacks last season and didn’t really do anything to fix that with the exception of moving to a defensive scheme their players don’t fit in. This year, they only have 19 and their defense is being destroyed. However, this draft is really weak on pass rushers so they’ll just go best defensive player here. It’ll be heard for them to pass up Tennessee FS Eric Berry. He’s one of the best safety prospects to come out of college football in a longtime. He should become that Ed Reed type player at the next level, who makes a bad defense passable, a passable defense good, and a good defense great. The Chiefs desperately need that. Their defense gives up the 3^rd most yards of any defense in the league and the 2^ndmost points.

5. Cleveland Browns 3-11

Assuming Eric Mangini is still the coach next season, which I believe he will be because he has won two straight games and the only guy they have really had any interest in bringing in to replace him is now in the front office of the Browns, the Browns will go best available regardless of position. Last season, when they needed a face of the franchise quarterback, they traded down from the 5^th slot where they could have drafted Mark Sanchez. After that, instead of drafting a rush linebacker or a running back, both of which the desperately needed, they went with Alex Mack, a center. Yes, Mack was the best player available in terms of how dominant he could be at his respective position and already he is one of the top 5 centers in the league, but still, he was a center and it was the first round. I don’t know who Mangini sees as the best players available, but there’s a good chance it is Alabama MLB Rolando McClain who would be a great fit in the center of their 3-4 defense. Very few 3-4 middle linebacker prospects have more upside than him.

6. Washington Redskins 4-10

After laying an epic stink bomb and coaching what was one of the worst coached games of the decade, at least that I’ve seen, in front of new GM Bruce Allen, its safe to say that Jim Zorn won’t be back next season. Since they’ll have a new coach, that would likely mean a new quarterback as new regimes mean new quarterbacks and current quarterback Jason Campbell is a free agent this offseason and the organization has not hinted that they are trying to bring him back. Who that quarterback is, depends on the coach. I have mocked Tim Tebow here in recent weeks, but now that Mike Shanahan seems to be the favorite for the job over Tebow’s #1 fan Jon Gruden, that doesn’t look as likely. Instead it seems more likely that it will be Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, who is a better quarterback prospect in my book than Tebow and a better fit for Shanahan’s west coast offense as well.

7. Seattle Seahawks 5-9

Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy could go top 3, so the Seahawks are getting a steal here. Its not like their interior line couldn’t be upgraded, with Brandon Mebane, Cory Redding, and Colin Cole making up their defensive tackle rotation at the moment. They are ranked 17th in the league in YPA rushing allowed at 4.2. This is what I think the Seahawks would do in this situation and not what I would do. You can read all about what I believe the Seahawks should take a quarterback like Ryan Mallett in my latest blog post, “Why the Seahawks should take a quarterback in the top ten.” (really creative title, I know)

8. Buffalo Bills 5-9

The Bills gave Trent Edwards a bunch of weapons to work with this offseason but they lacked that true pass blocking left tackle and thus Trent Edwards had one of the worst seasons of his career. Langston Walker was supposed to start at left tackle this year, but he was cut right before the season. That’s a very bad sign. Demetrius Bell, their new starting left tackle, leads the league in penalties and their offensive line as a whole had 9 false starts a few weeks ago in a loss to the Browns. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available player at a position of dire need for the Bills. Picking a left tackle here doesn’t mean that whatever new regime that is in place next year won’t draft a quarterback. It just means they won’t until the 2^nd round or later.

9. Denver Broncos (via CHI) 8-6

Remember week 6 when the Broncos were 6-0 and had a 3.5 game lead on the division and they were giving up 3.3 YPC. Those days are long gone. The Broncos are now 8-6 and are 3 games behind in the division and are giving up 4.1 YPC for the season, a number that would be a lot higher if you took out their somewhat fluky run stopping days of weeks 1-6. It makes sense that they can’t stop the run. They couldn’t last year and all new coach Josh McDaniels did to fix that is change to a more complicated defensive system and make a front 7 out of 2 starters from last year’s miserable run stopping bunch, a 2009 1^st round pick playing out of position, and cast offs from the Niners and Browns. Ronald Fields, a former 49ers bench warmer who weighs only 310 pounds is playing nose tackle. They need to get a real run stopping in the middle of that defensive line. Nose tackles don’t get much more real than 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody. Cody will help this run defense out in a huge way even as a rookie. He may be just a two down nose tackle but so is Kris Jenkins of the Jets and we’ve seen how bad their run defense got in a hurry after he got hurt.

10. Oakland Raiders 5-9

JaMarcus Russell was benched earlier in the season for Bruce Gradkowski. As if it wasn’t embarrassing enough that he was benched for the Browns 2008 4^th string quarterback, after Gradkowski got hurt, Russell still wasn’t given his job back, instead the job went to Charlie Frye, who, in his only full season as starter, threw 17 picks to 10 touchdowns with the Browns in 2006. As if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, after Charlie Frye suffered a concussion in his first start back, Russell, who somehow may have accidentally led the Raiders to a win in relief of Frye, still hasn’t been given his job back. The Raiders might actually consider starting Frye with a concussion in a meaningless game over JaMarcus Russell. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they started recently signed JP Losman over Russell. Tom Cable clearly does not like Russell and, even though Cable enjoys beating people up, Cable is likely going to be back as coach next year because for some reason, over all the other coaches that have been decent that he has had, Al Davis seems to trust Tom Cable. Or maybe Al Davis died up there in the owner’s box and no one noticed, but whatever the reason, Davis isn’t objecting to Cable being the coach and benching Russell repeatedly, so its safe to say this team is going to be looking for a new quarterback. Regardless of whether or not Al Davis is alive during the season, he always comes back to live on draft day to screw over the Raiders so if they draft a quarterback it will be one of his trademark amazing physical specimens. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett will probably throw the ball the longest straight down field at the combine and since we all know that is the only thing a good quarterback has to be able to do, Mallett is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and a huge steal here at 10.

11. San Francisco 49ers 6-8 (via CAR)

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. The Niners need some young blood at the position. Florida CB Joe Haden is extremely athletic and physical and fits their coverage scheme like a glove.

12. New York Jets 7-7

Braylon Edwards is looking like a bust of a trade. Good thing they didn’t give up a lot for him. They can simply let him walk this offseason as a free agent, though if the price is right they’ll retain him. However, they’ll need a new #1 option. USC WR Damian Williams is my top rated wide receiver and has #1 option written all over him with his elite route running. He has played with quarterback Mark Sanchez before at USC and that will do a ton for young Sanchez’s confidence. That will be huge.

13. Houston Texans 7-7

The Texans only have 25 sacks this season. Mario Williams only has 8 sacks this season because he’s being double teamed constantly. In addition to drawing the name for starting running back out of a hat, there’s one thing you can always count on Coach Gary Kubiak to do, build around his offensive and defensive lines. If the Texans get a chance to draft a big time every down left end like Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan, I think Kubiak takes it, assuming he hasn't been fired by then.

14. San Francisco 49ers 6-8

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Maryland OT Bruce Campbell is shooting up draft boards with his strong season this year and is deserving of a top ten selection.

15. Tennessee Titans 7-7

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starter corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where both starters, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft USC DE Everson Griffen in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Griffen could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-7

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver pretty much promised that the Jags would draft in state Florida QB Tim Tebow in the first round in an attempt to sell more tickets and safe the franchise’s future in Jacksonville. He seems to have forgotten that the Jags already have a good quarterback, David Garrard, who has a 60% completion percentage in each of his four years as starter as well as 56 touchdowns to 32 picks, but I guess the Jags will do what they have to do to make Jacksonville football fans, who clearly don’t care, come to the stadium, rather than moving the team to a city that deserves a franchise like San Antonio or Los Angeles.

17. Miami Dolphins 7-7

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take Tennessee NT Dan Williams here. He’s a complete nose tackle who is shooting up draft board this season and could very well go in the first round because big nose tackles that move like him are extremely rare.

18. Atlanta Falcons 7-7

The Falcons weren’t very good against the pass before Brian Williams went down, but when he did, things just went south in the Atlanta defensive backfield and they can’t stop anyone, not even rookie quarterback Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers. Brian Williams is a good cornerback, but they lack any depth behind him. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is a great fit for their man coverage scheme and would compliment Brian Williams well at cornerback. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-7

Its painfully obvious that the Steelers need offensive line help after giving up 13 sacks to the Browns and the Packers in the past 2 weeks. However, they’ve needed offensive line help for years and haven’t done anything about it. Plus, its also painfully obvious that Mike Tomlin doesn’t trust his defense, even more painfully obvious than their offensive line is bad. Mike Tomlin tried an onside kick with a 2 point lead in last week’s game against the Packers because he didn’t trust his defense to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Packers would recover and score and if it weren’t for late game heroics from Big Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin would have been the laughing stock of the NFL. That is how far this defense has fallen since being one of the best in the league last year. The biggest reason for their defensive struggles has been Troy Polamalu’s injuries. In the 5 games in which he has played, the Steelers are 4-1 and are allowed 13.8 points per game. In the games he has missed, they give up 23.4 and are consequently 3-6. Their lack of a good safety opposite him is obvious. I don’t think Mike Tomlin could resist drafting USC SS Taylor Mays to pair with Polamalu. Mays is extremely raw, but with the right coaching, which the Steelers definitely have, he could be a bigger faster Troy Polamalu. If you thought one Troy Polamalu was scary, imagine two. He'd have to grow his hair out though to get the whole fear effect.

20. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) 5-8

Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like USC OT Charles Brown, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Brown and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Williams at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard.

21. Baltimore Ravens 8-6

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is playing very well this season and is the type of wide receiver the Ravens need. He is tough and can block and has experience in a conservative pro style offense at LSU. He’ll fit in the Ravens’ offense very nicely and can help them right away.

22. Dallas Cowboys 9-5

Jerry Jones likes money and the big name players so he’ll draft Florida MLB Brandon Spikes. The Cowboys will be looking for inside linebackers that can play both 3-4 and 4-3, because Wade Phillips might not be back next season. Spikes can play both and the Cowboys will be looking for linebackers after failing to upgrade Zach Thomas last offseason, only replacing him with Keith Brooking.

23. New York Giants 8-6

The Giants give up the 7^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 7^th most points. That means they are giving up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they can’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Texas FS Earl Thomas is the top safety available and is both a great ballhawker and a solid hustle run stopper and tackler for his size.

24. Arizona Cardinals 9-5

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future.

25. New England Patriots 9-5

As a Patriots fan, the Pats’ defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him two weeks ago and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well.

26. Cincinnati Bengals 9-5

From week 9, when Chris Henry went out with an injury, to week 15, last week, Carson Palmer had thrown for 809 yards in 5 games, 427 coming in games against the Lions and Raiders. Chris Henry died last week after a tragic accident. RIP. However, in football, life moves on, it has to. They need a deep threat to compliment Chad Ochocinco otherwise Palmer is doomed to have another mediocre year. The Bengals have shown in the past that they are willing to take chances on questionable character guys so they shouldn’t have any qualms about drafting Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant who was suspended for the entire season for lying about where he had lunch with Deion Sanders or something like that. Bryant would be a huge steal here.

27. Green Bay Packers 9-5

Ted Thompson likes picking best available, which at this point would be Clemson RB CJ Spiller. The Packers lack a speed compliment to Ryan Grant and its not like Ryan Grant is that great anyway. Spiller could also help on special teams and in the return game.

28. Philadelphia Eagles 10-4

Shawn Andrews is hurt again and might not play again in his career. Good thing they gave him all that money. Andy Reid loves to invest in his offensive and defensive lines so he’ll look for a big mauling offensive lineman to play opposite Jason Peters here. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis definitely fits that model. He is a big 6-5 330 pound right tackle and if Andy Reid puts him on his signature all fat diet, he could be up to 350 in no time. All of Reid’s starting offensive lineman are over 320 pounds.

29. Minnesota Vikings 11-3

The Vikings seem to be set for the future on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but, even if a new regime comes in, I doubt the Vikings would reach for Colt McCoy in this situation, especially since he could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in Penn State DT Jared Odrick, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Odrick is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely.

30. San Diego Chargers 11-3

Igor Olshansky left as a free agent and he was never replaced. The Chargers will want to focus on that here to plug up holes on their defense. Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward is an elite 3-4 defensive end prospect who is one of the best available players here. Heyward is leaning towards staying in school, but has not officially announced anything. He would be the best pure 3-4 defensive end in the draft class if he were to declare and that could shoot him up extremely high. I had Tyson Jackson this low last year before he established himself as an elite 3-4 defensive end prospect and went 3^rd overall.

31. New Orleans Saints 13-1

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

32. Indianapolis Colts 14-0

The Colts know value and need an upgrade at outside linebacker. Georgia OLB Rennie Curran has great potential, but drops because of his position, inexperience, and lack of size. For the Colts, he’s an extremely valuable player who fills a need and fits their cover 2 system perfectly, despite his lack of size, because he is good in pass coverage and has great speed. They can afford to wait on him to develop.

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-12/23/09 

Week 15 

1. St. Louis Rams 1-12

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, assuming the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-12

I have said this pick will come down to either Gerald McCoy or Carlos Dunlap in weeks past. However, I don’t think Dunlap will go this high because he’s really struggling this season and is getting a reputation as being lazy, which is very, very bad for him. Michael Johnson had top 5 pick potential last year and plummeted to round 3 when he was slapped with the lazy tag. Dunlap also was suspended for DUI. That being said, I don’t think this will be McCoy either, because Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is having a huge season and has really showcased himself as the complete defensive tackle. He’s having a huge year this year, better than McCoy, and makes more sense here. He also fits Tampa Bay’s scheme better.

Agree with this pick? Don't agree with this pick? Discuss this pick with other Rams fans and football fans in The Football Fan Forum. The Rams' draft prospects are the topic of debate this week.

3. Detroit Lions 2-11

I don’t like what the Lions did in their draft last year after they drafted Stafford. I don’t think they focused enough on their front 7 or their offensive line. The Lions will need a franchise left tackle to protect Matt Stafford if they want to avoid Stafford turning into David Carr, after passing on Jason Smith, as well as both Eben Britton and William Beatty, twice. Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is the top left tackle in this class and is on the level of Joe Thomas, Jake Long, and Jason Smith. They need him here. 

4. Cleveland Browns 2-11

By winning last week, the Browns now have the choice between Brady Quinn and Sam Bradford for next year because Jake Locker is returning to school. Unless the Rams win another game, the Browns won’t get to draft an elite quarterback like Clausen and if they can’t, I think Mangini sticks with Brady Quinn and goes and addresses other needs. The Browns had a top 5 pick last year and still somehow didn’t get any better on the defensive end and are playing in the 2009 season with the same awful bunch of defensive players that got destroyed throughout the 2009 season, with the addition of a few Jets castoffs. They will need to take the best defensive player available in 2010. The best defensive player available is Tennessee FS Eric Berry. He’s one of the best safety prospects to come out of college football in a longtime. He should become that Ed Reed type player at the next level, who makes a bad defense passable, a passable defense good, and a good defense great. The Browns desperately need that.

5. Kansas City Chiefs 3-10

Scott Pioli seems to have adapted his former mentor Bill Belicheck’s drafting strategy of always focusing on the 3 man line when drafting. The jury is still out on whether or not he will have the same success Belicheck has had, but there’s no denying he’s doing it as he spent his first 2 picks this on 3-4 defensive ends, even reaching for Tyson Jackson over Aaron Curry. Glenn Dorsey as a nose tackle is likely a one year thing as Pioli will want to bring in a true nose tackle. Dorsey will likely be traded if the demand is high enough or moved to defensive end, though I’m not sure he fits there. Nose tackles don’t come much truer than 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody. If Pioli took Jackson because he reminded him of Richard Seymour, who he had with Belicheck in New England, than he’ll likely take Cody, who will remind him of New England nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

6. Oakland Raiders 4-9

USC FS Taylor Mays could run a low 4.3 40 at 6-3 230 which of course would make him the greatest player of all time, at least according to Al Davis.

7. Buffalo Bills 4-9

Dick Jauron is out as head coach of the Bills and has been replaced with interim coach Perry Fewell. Whoever is the coach next year, whether Fewell as someone else, possibly Marty Schottenheimer, will want to bring in his own guy at quarterback. Neither Trent Edwards nor Ryan Fitzpatrick are established quarterbacks. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford is the best available quarterback here.

8. San Francisco 49ers (via CAR) 6-7

Not a ton of choices for the Niners here. No left tackles, quarterbacks, defensive backs, or rush linebackers that wouldn’t be major reaches. Middle linebacker is not a huge position of need for them, but I think, in this situation, if Mike Singletary gets a chance to get his hands on Alabama MLB Rolando McClain to put in the middle of his 3-4 defense next to Patrick Willis, he’ll jump at the opportunity. McClain is a freak of a middle linebacker prospect with the potential to be the next Ray Lewis, though that’s a bit of a lofty comparison at this point. Singletary will love working with him and Willis in the middle of that 3-4 defense.

9. Washington Redskins 4-9

The Redskins probably won’t want Jason Campbell back next season. He is a free agent and the Redskins searched for a quarterback this offseason so hard that it was as if Campbell wasn’t even there. Even if they want him back, I doubt Campbell will want to come back, so it’s safe to say that the Redskins will be looking for a quarterback when they draft in 2010. That means that the Redskins pick will be used on the biggest named quarterback available and that here is Florida QB Tim Tebow. He may not be a pure quarterback or fit the system all that well, but Daniel Snyder doesn’t care. He’ll sell tickets. The Redskins are considering Jon Gruden to coach their team. It’s no secret to anyone who watches Monday Night Football, Gruden loves Tebow.

10. Seattle Seahawks 5-8

Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy could go top 3, so the Seahawks are getting a steal here. Its not like their interior line couldn’t be upgraded, with Brandon Mebane, Cory Redding, and Colin Cole making up their defensive tackle rotation at the moment. They are ranked 17th in the league in YPA rushing allowed.

11. Denver Broncos 8-5 (via SEA)

The Broncos are going to draft a front 7 player hopefully because, even though their defense has somehow been good this season, they basically patched together a 3-4 front 7 around 2 players that were starters last season and a bunch of castoffs from bad teams. I’ve mocked Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody, and Arthur Jones here this season, but McClain and Cody aren’t available here and Jones has slipped into the 2^nd round due to a down year, so they would be best served take a rush linebacker here. They need a rush linebacker opposite Elvis Dumervil. TCU OLB Jerry Hughes has 28 sacks over the last 2 seasons and is establishing himself as an elite rush linebacker prospect.

12. Miami Dolphins 7-6

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take Tennessee NT Dan Williams here. He’s a complete nose tackle who is shooting up draft board this season and could very well go in the first round because big nose tackles that move like him are extremely rare.

13. New York Jets 7-6

Darrelle Revis is an amazing shutdown corner, who can take any wide receiver out of the game by himself. However, it kind of defeats the purpose of having a guy like Revis if the quarterback can just pick on the opposite cornerback all day for a big game. Lito Sheppard was brought in during the offseason to start opposite Revis, but he’s been hurt and hasn’t played well when healthy. In place of Sheppard the Jets have been starting Dwight Lowery who is a good nickel corner, but not a great starting cornerback. Bringing in a talented young cornerback like Florida CB Joe Haden would help make their secondary even more dangerous.

14. Tennessee Titans 6-7

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starter corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where both starters, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Morgan could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense. Morgan is that physical type of defensive end that Tennessee likes. 

15. San Francisco 49ers 6-7

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. The Niners need some young blood at the position. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is shooting up draft board this season, after a down year last season. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run which Mike Singletary will love. 

16. Houston Texans 6-7

The Texans only have 22 sacks this season. Mario Williams only has 8 sacks this season because he’s being double teamed constantly. In addition to drawing the name for starting running back out of a hat, there’s one thing you can always count on Coach Gary Kubiak to do, build around his offensive and defensive lines. If the Texans get a chance to draft a big time every down left end like USC DE Everson Griffen, I think Kubiak takes it, assuming he hasn't been fired by then.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-6

The Jags have been destroyed by every quarterback they have faced this year. They desperately need cornerbacks who actually fit their zone coverage scheme. Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling fits their cover 2 system perfectly. He has played in a zone system for 4 years in college at Virginia and has excelled.

18. Dallas Cowboys 8-5

Jerry Jones likes money and the big name players so he’ll draft Florida MLB Brandon Spikes. The Cowboys will be looking for inside linebackers that can play both 3-4 and 4-3, because Wade Phillips might not be back next season. Spikes can play both and the Cowboys will be looking for linebackers after failing to upgrade Zach Thomas last offseason, only replacing him with Keith Brooking.

19. Atlanta Falcons 6-7

The Falcons weren’t very good against the pass before Brian Williams went down, but when he did, things just went south in the Atlanta defensive backfield and they can’t stop anyone, not even rookie quarterback Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers. Brian Williams is a good quarterback, but they lack any depth behind him. Kentucky CB Trevard Lindley is a great fit for their coverage scheme and would compliment Brian Williams well at cornerback.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-7

Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 8 times last week by the Browns. I’ll let you comprehend that……..get it yet………..how about now………….forget it, you’ll never comprehend it, I don’t comprehend it. The Browns had one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL before that, and yet they were still able to get to Big Ben 8 times. The Steelers need to fix their offensive line fast, especially since they have a lot of free agents on the offensive line this offseason. Luckily for them, Maryland OT Bruce Campbell has fallen to them. He’s a steal at this point.

21. Baltimore Ravens 7-6

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. USC WR Damian Williams is the best available at a position of huge need and is the logical pick here.

22. New York Giants 7-6

The Giants have to be pleased with the way this draft has gone. The Giants always seem to be able to come out with really good players and this year won’t be an exception. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is still available here. He is the best player available and fits their needs like a glove. Kevin Boss is big, but he’s not a great tight end. Gresham would give Eli yet another young pass catcher, this time a skilled tight end to pair with his young wide outs.

23. Arizona Cardinals 8-5

The Cardinals strong passing game relies on pass protection. Mike Gandy, at right tackle, is a free agent after the 2009 season and he’ll be 31 then anyway. With no other major needs, they can bring in another right tackle through the draft. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga would fill that need and allow this amazing passing game to continue. A strong offensive line will be even more important if Matt Leinart has to come in and start, if Kurt Warner decides to hang ‘em up.

24. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) 5-8

Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like USC OT Charles Brown, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Brown and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Williams at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard.

25. New England Patriots 8-5

As a Patriots fan, the Pats defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him two weeks ago and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well.

26. Cincinnati Bengals 9-4

Since Chris Henry went out with an injury week 9, Carson Palmer has thrown for 809 yards in 5 games, 427 coming in games against the Lions and Raiders. Chris Henry died today after a tragic accident. RIP. However, in football, life moves on, it has to. They need a deep threat to compliment Chad Ochocinco otherwise Palmer is doomed to have another mediocre year. The Bengals have shown in the past that they are willing to take chances on questionable character guys so they shouldn’t have any qualms about drafting Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant who was suspended for the entire season for lying about where he had lunch with Deion Sanders or something like that. Bryant would be a huge steal here.

27. Green Bay Packers 8-5

Ted Thompson likes picking best available, which at this point would be Clemson RB CJ Spiller. The Packers lack a speed compliment to Ryan Grant and its not like Ryan Grant is that great anyway. Spiller could also help on special teams and in the return game.

28. Philadelphia Eagles 9-4

Shawn Andrews is hurt again and might not play again in his career. Good thing they gave him all that money. Andy Reid loves to invest in his offensive and defensive lines so he’ll look for a big mauling offensive lineman to play opposite Jason Peters here. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis definitely fits that model. He is a big 6-5 330 pound right tackle and if Andy Reid puts him on his signature all fat diet, he could be up to 350 in no time. All of Reid’s starting offensive lineman are over 320 pounds.

29. Minnesota Vikings 10-2

Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is a huge project at quarterback and needs time to develop his footwork, but he has Peyton Manning esque upside. The Vikings have their quarterback position figured out for now, but that’s only until Brett Favre retires and/or leaves the team to go play for someone else. I don’t think Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels are the long term answers so Mallett is a perfect fit for them here as the Aaron Rodgers type project behind Favre. Mallett can sit some, learn from one of the best, and then take over when he is ready.

30. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers’ top 2 receivers, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd, are all free agents after this season. Even if they are able to bring both back, and Floyd is average at best. They could use another receiver here. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is the best available receiver for a team that doesn’t have a ton of needs. They are a pass heavy team so they need to get good young receivers for Phillip Rivers. LaFell is 6-4 and the Chargers like big receivers.

31. Indianapolis Colts 12-0

The Colts know value and need an upgrade at outside linebacker. Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis has top ten pick value, but drops because of his position and lack of size. For the Colts, he’s an extremely valuable player who fills a need and fits their cover 2 system perfectly, despite his lack of size, because he is good in pass coverage and has great speed.

32. New Orleans Saints 12-0

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

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12/17/09 

1. St. Louis Rams 1-11

The Rams considered drafting Mark Sanchez last year, but the truth was they had too much money tied up in the quarterback position already with Marc Bulger and his giant contract and cutting Bulger would have been too much of a cap hit. This year, they can cut Bulger and actually save money so this is probably his last year in St. Louis, assuming the Rams fail to get anyone better than him. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is, with Bradford's injury, the most complete quarterback in this draft class and would be an excellent addition to a Rams team that already has its left tackle and defensive end of the future

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-11

I have said this pick will come down to either Gerald McCoy or Carlos Dunlap in weeks past. However, I don’t think Dunlap will go this high because he’s really struggling this season and is getting a reputation as being lazy, which is very, very bad for him. Michael Johnson had top 5 pick potential last year and plummeted to round 3 when he was slapped with the lazy tag. Dunlap also was suspended for DUI. That being said, I don’t think this will be McCoy either, because Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is having a huge season and has really showcased himself as the complete defensive tackle. He’s having a huge year this year, better than McCoy, and makes more sense here. He also fits Tampa Bay’s scheme better.

3. Cleveland Browns 2-11

Brady Quinn hasn’t thrown a pick in four weeks, but if that’s the way you qualify a good quarterback, there’s something wrong. He also only went 6 for 19 in a win over the Steelers on Thursday. Eric Mangini might not be back next season and the new coach would want to bring in his own guy at the quarterback position and even if Mangini is back next year, which might actually happen despite his awful season as coach, he also might want to draft a quarterback to bring in his own guy. The only quarterback he has brought in since becoming coach is Erik Ainge who hasn’t seen a snap this season. Washington QB Jake Locker will be seen as the best available quarterback here.

4. Detroit Lions 2-10

I don’t like what the Lions did in their draft last year after they drafted Stafford. I don’t think they focused enough on their front 7 or their offensive line. The Lions will need a franchise left tackle to protect Matt Stafford if they want to avoid Stafford turning into David Carr, after passing on Jason Smith, as well as both Eben Britton and William Beatty, twice. Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is the top left tackle in this class and is on the level of Joe Thomas, Jake Long, and Jason Smith. They need him here. 

5. Kansas City Chiefs 3-9

The Chiefs desperately need someone who can get pressure on the quarterback. They had 10 sacks last season and didn’t really do anything to fix that with the exception of moving to a defensive scheme their players don’t fit in. This year, they only have one and their defense is being destroyed. However, this draft is really weak on pass rushers so they’ll just go best defensive player here. It’ll be heard for them to pass up Tennessee FS Eric Berry. He’s one of the best safety prospects to come out of college football in a longtime. He should become that Ed Reed type player at the next level, who makes a bad defense passable, a passable defense good, and a good defense great. The Chiefs desperately need that.

6. Washington Redskins 3-9

The Redskins probably won’t want Jason Campbell back next season. He is a free agent and the Redskins searched for a quarterback this offseason so hard that it was as if Campbell wasn’t even there. Even if they want him back, I doubt Campbell will want to come back, so it’s safe to say that the Redskins will be looking for a quarterback when they draft in 2010. That means that the Redskins pick will be used on the biggest named quarterback available and that here is Florida QB Tim Tebow. He may not be a pure quarterback or fit the system all that well, but Daniel Snyder doesn’t care. He’ll sell tickets. The Redskins are considering Jon Gruden to coach their team. It’s no secret to anyone who watches Monday Night Football, Gruden loves Tebow.

7. Buffalo Bills 4-8

Dick Jauron is out as head coach of the Bills and has been replaced with interim coach Perry Fewell. Whoever is the coach next year, whether Fewell as someone else, possibly Marty Schottenheimer, will want to bring in his own guy at quarterback. Neither Trent Edwards nor Ryan Fitzpatrick are established quarterbacks. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford is the best available quarterback here.

8. San Francisco (via CAR) 5-7

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Maryland OT Bruce Campbell is shooting up draft boards with his strong season this year and is deserving of a top ten selection.

9. Denver Broncos (via CHI) 8-4

Before shutting down Brandon Jacobs and the Giants on the ground two weeks, the Broncos had given up 472 yards on the ground in the 3 weeks prior. I’m not actually surprised that they stopped Jacobs, who has been really struggling this season, and of course I’m not surprised at the Broncos struggles stopping the run because they, with the exception of a few starters, basically made their front 7 out of castoffs from other bad teams. They need to take the best 3-4 front seven player available here. Andra Davis is starting at middle linebacker right now. He is so bad that the Browns wouldn’t even bring him back last season. Alabama MLB Rolando McClain is an elite middle linebacker talent that fits perfectly into Mike Nolan’s 3-4 defense, the way Patrick Willis fit into Nolan’s defense in San Francisco.

10. Seattle Seahawks 5-7

Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy could go top 3, so the Seahawks are getting a steal here. Its not like their interior line couldn’t be upgraded, with Brandon Mebane, Cory Redding, and Colin Cole making up their defensive tackle rotation at the moment. They are ranked 17th in the league in YPA rushing allowed.

11. Oakland Raiders 4-8

USC FS Taylor Mays could run a low 4.3 40 at 6-3 230 which of course would make him the greatest player of all time, at least according to Al Davis.

12. New York Jets 6-6

Darrelle Revis is an amazing shutdown corner, who can take any wide receiver out of the game by himself. However, it kind of defeats the purpose of having a guy like Revis if the quarterback can just pick on the opposite cornerback all day for a big game. Lito Sheppard was brought in during the offseason to start opposite Revis, but he’s been hurt and hasn’t played well when healthy. In place of Sheppard the Jets have been starting Dwight Lowery who is a good nickel corner, but not a great starting cornerback. Bringing in a talented young cornerback like Florida CB Joe Haden would help make their secondary even more dangerous.

13. San Francisco 49ers 5-7

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. The Niners need some young blood at the position. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is shooting up draft board this season, after a down year last season. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run which Mike Singletary will love.

14. Miami Dolphins 6-6

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody here. He may be a 2 down nose tackle in the NFL, but so is Jamal Williams of the Chargers and he’s still an extremely valuable player.

15. Houston Texans 5-7

The Texans only have 15 sacks this season. Mario Williams only has 5 sacks this season because he’s being double teamed constantly. In addition to drawing the name for starting running back out of a hat, there’s one thing you can always count on Coach Gary Kubiak to do, build around his offensive and defensive lines. If the Texans get a chance to draft a big time every down left end like Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan, I think Kubiak takes it, assuming he hasn't been fired by then.

16. Tennessee Titans 5-7

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starter corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where both starters, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft USC DE Everson Griffen in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Griffen could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense.

17. Baltimore Ravens 6-6

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. USC WR Damian Williams is the best available at a position of huge need and is the logical pick here.

18. Atlanta Falcons 6-6

The Falcons weren’t very good against the pass before Brian Williams went down, but when he did, things just went south in the Atlanta defensive backfield and they can’t stop anyone, not even rookie quarterback Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers. Brian Williams is a good quarterback, but they lack any depth behind him. Kentucky CB Trevard Lindley is a great fit for their coverage scheme and would compliment Brian Williams well at cornerback.

19. Dallas Cowboys 8-4

Jerry Jones likes money and the big name players so he’ll draft Florida MLB Brandon Spikes. The Cowboys will be looking for inside linebackers that can play both 3-4 and 4-3, because Wade Phillips might not be back next season. Spikes can play both and the Cowboys will be looking for linebackers after failing to upgrade Zach Thomas last offseason, only replacing him with Keith Brooking.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-7

The Steelers gave up 8 sacks somehow to the Cleveland Browns. If you think the Steelers have trouble protecting Big Ben now, just wait until next season, when a lot of their offensive lineman will have left via free agency. They desperately need a versatile offensive lineman. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available offensive lineman. Bulaga can start at either tackle position next year for the Steelers.

21. New York Giants 7-5

The Giants have to be pleased with the way this draft has gone. The Giants always seem to be able to come out with really good players and this year won’t be an exception. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is still available here. He is the best player available and fits their needs like a glove. Kevin Boss is big, but he’s not a great tight end. Gresham would give Eli yet another young pass catcher, this time a skilled tight end to pair with his young wide outs.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-5

The Jags have been destroyed by every quarterback they have faced this year. They desperately need cornerbacks who actually fit their zone coverage scheme.Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling fits their cover 2 system perfectly. He has played in a zone system for 4 years in college at Virginia and has excelled.

23. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) 5-7

Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like USC OT Charles Brown, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Brown and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Williams at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard.

24. Green Bay Packers 7-5

Ted Thompson likes picking best available, which at this point would be Clemson RB CJ Spiller. The Packers lack a speed compliment to Ryan Grant and its not like Ryan Grant is that great anyway. Spiller could also help on special teams and in the return game.

25. New England Patriots 7-5

As a Patriots fan, the Pats defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him two weeks ago and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all game. Then Chad Henne came out and burned their defense again. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well.

26. Arizona Cardinals 8-4

The Cardinals strong passing game relies on pass protection. Mike Gandy, at right tackle, is a free agent after the 2009 season and he’ll be 31 then anyway. Levi Brown at left tackle isn’t playing well either. With no other major needs, they can bring in another right tackle through the draft. LSU OT Ciron Black would fill that need and allow this amazing passing game to continue. A strong offensive line will be even more important if Matt Leinart has to come in and start, if Kurt Warner decides to hang ‘em up.

27. Cincinnati Bengals 9-3

The Bengals proved by signing Larry Johnson that they are not done taking chances on guys with character problems, even though the team is playing well. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, Cedric Benson looked like the MVP of the league before he got hurt and Larry Johnson helped the Bengals win last week when Benson was hurt and 2009 2^nd round pick Rey Maualuga who dropped for character reasons will be in the running for defensive player of the year this season. Florida DE Carlos Dunlap has an awful work ethic and recently was arrested for drunk driving, but those things are like turn ons to whoever if drafting for the Bengals. Antawn Odom is talented when healthy, but he rarely is so, assuming Michael Johnson doesn’t pan out, the Bengals still need a right end of the future and Dunlap, who has athleticism, 6-6 290 4.7, could be that guy if he straightens himself out.

28. Philadelphia Eagles 8-4

Even with all of the offensive linemen the Eagles brought in during the offseason, they are still not playing well on the offensive front. Andy Reid, who loves to draft offensive linemen, will want to do something about that this year and draft the biggest offensive lineman available to help himself feel more secure about his own weight problems. He doesn’t have a starting offensive lineman who weighs less than 320 pounds. 330 pound Anthony Davis isn’t available, so 330 pound Idaho OG Mike Iupati will have to do. Think Andy Reid won’t draft an offensive guard in the first round, think again. He’s done it before.

29. San Diego Chargers 9-3

The Chargers’ top two wide receivers, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd are both free agents this offseason. I don’t think they’ll resign both and even if they do, they could still use an upgrade at wide receiver over Floyd. The Chargers also have a habit of drafting for value and big names over need and Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant has both value and need for the Chargers. Plus, he’s a tall wide receiver which the Chargers love.

30. Minnesota Vikings 10-2

Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is a huge project at quarterback and needs time to develop his footwork, but he has Peyton Manning esque upside. The Vikings have their quarterback position figured out for now, but that’s only until Brett Favre retires and/or leaves the team to go play for someone else. I don’t think Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels are the long term answers so Mallett is a perfect fit for them here as the Aaron Rodgers type project behind Favre. Mallett can sit some, learn from one of the best, and then take over when he is ready.

31. Indianapolis Colts 12-0

The Colts know value and need an upgrade at outside linebacker. Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis has top ten pick value, but drops because of his position and lack of size. For the Colts, he’s an extremely valuable player who fills a need and fits their cover 2 system perfectly, despite his lack of size, because he is good in pass coverage and has great speed.

32. New Orleans Saints 12-0

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

1. Cleveland Browns 1-10

The Browns are going to have a hard time moving Derek Anderson and/or Brady Quinn this offseason (wonder why) which means they’ll have to pay the guaranteed part of both of their contracts for next season, which could mean that, even if they cut both of them, they’ll have a lot of money tied up in the quarterback position. However, if Eric Mangini has a chance to draft Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, I think he still will even with all the money tied up in the position already. Ever since Andy Reid drafted Donovan McNabb with his first major decision as coach of the Eagles in 1999, there has been a major trend of new head coaches bringing in “their guy” at quarterback. It is extremely important for a coach to be able to trust his quarterback and a coach has a lot more trust in his quarterback if it’s someone he hand selected. Eric Mangini has ties to Charlie Weis, from their days as assistants with the New England Patriots, and Weis happens to be the coach of Jimmy Clausen, who happens to be the consensus top quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft class.

Agree with this pick? Don't agree with this pick? Discuss this pick with other Browns' fans and football fans in The Football Fan Forum. The Browns' draft prospects are the topic of debate this week.

2. Detroit Lions 2-9

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they will take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 19^th against the run, although they have looked better over the past few weeks. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development.

3. St. Louis Rams 1-10

The Rams need to take a quarterback this year. Marc Bulger sucks and his contract makes him easy to cut this offseason. I don’t think NFL scouts and GMs are as sold on Jake Locker as ESPN is, so, by default this would be Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, who, despite his injury, has amazing potential. The Rams probably don’t want to risk waiting to draft a quarterback until the 2^nd round when they’ll likely be stuck with Jevan Snead (gag!).

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-10

Raheem Morris wants to build the defense his way as evidenced by the fact that he got rid of pretty much everyone who was on that defense last year and did not replace them. Not one of his better ideas. I’m sure he’ll take the best defensive player available here with all of the offensive necessities, quarterback and left tackle, as well as some good running backs, locked up. Tennessee FS Eric Berry is the best available defensive player here and is the type of safety that can make a good defense into a great one, a passable one into a good one, and a bad defense into a passable. They don’t have anyone like that.

5. Oakland Raiders 3-8

In a normal year, I wouldn’t make this pick for the Raiders, but next year is likely going to be an uncapped year, which means the Raiders can take another quarterback here, admit they messed up big time drafting JaMarcus Russell #1 overall, release him and start over again, which is not a bad idea. If Al Davis does decide to go quarterback, he will take Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker fits all of Al Davis’s qualifications. He is fast and can throw the ball a long way. He’s got a stronger arm than Tim Tebow and could run a faster 40 than Tebow, though I wouldn’t rule Tebow out here. Davis is going to forget the fact that Locker is not a good quarterback prospect, at least in my book, and just go with the 40 time and arm strength as he seemingly is incapable of learning from his mistakes.

6. Washington Redskins 3-8

The Redskins probably won’t want Jason Campbell back next season. He is a free agent and the Redskins searched for a quarterback this offseason so hard that it was as if Campbell wasn’t even there. Even if they want him back, I doubt Campbell will want to come back, so it’s safe to say that the Redskins will be looking for a quarterback when they draft in 2010. That means that the Redskins pick will be used on the biggest named quarterback available and that here is Florida QB Tim Tebow. He may not be a pure quarterback or fit the system all that well, but Daniel Snyder doesn’t care. He’ll sell tickets. The Redskins are considering Jon Gruden to coach their team. It’s no secret to anyone who watches Monday Night Football, Gruden loves Tebow.

7. Kansas City Chiefs 3-8

Matt Cassel has been sacked 29 times in 8 games. There were questions when the Chiefs drafted Branden Albert as to whether or not he could pass protect well enough to play left tackle in the NFL. Now, almost two years after he was drafted, it is clear the answer to that question is no. They can draft a true franchise left tackle here and move Albert around the offensive line some, either to right tackle or left guard, his natural position. Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung fits the value and the need here. 

8. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) 4-7

Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy could go top 3, so the Seahawks are getting a steal here. Its not like their interior line couldn’t be upgraded, with Brandon Mebane, Cory Redding, and Colin Cole making up their defensive tackle rotation at the moment. They are ranked 17th in the league in YPA rushing allowed.

9. Buffalo Bills 4-8

Dick Jauron is out as head coach of the Bills and has been replaced with interim coach Perry Fewell. Whoever is the coach next year, whether Fewell as someone else, possibly Marty Schottenheimer, will want to bring in his own guy at quarterback. Neither Trent Edwards nor Ryan Fitzpatrick are established quarterbacks. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is inexperienced, but has huge time upside. He’s not NFL ready yet, but can sit a year behind either Edwards or Fitzpatrick to get ready. The Bills desperately need an identity at quarterback and a face of the franchise and with time, Mallett can be that guy.

10. San Francisco 49ers 5-6 (via CAR)

Joe Staley is supposed to be the left tackle, but he’s hurt. Even when he’s healthy, he’s a liability against the pass and belongs at right tackle where the Niners currently have a load of crap. The Niners have 2 picks in this first round and can use the first of the two, with no other huge needs that they can fill with the players left on the board, on an elite left tackle. Maryland OT Bruce Campbell is shooting up draft boards with his strong season this year and is deserving of a top ten selection.

11. Denver Broncos 7-4 (via CHI)

Before shutting down Brandon Jacobs and the Giants on the ground last week, the Broncos had given up 472 yards on the ground in the last 3 weeks. I’m not actually surprised that they stopped Jacobs, who has been really struggling this season, and of course I’m not surprised at the Broncos struggles stopping the run because they, with the exception of a few starters, basically made their front 7 out of castoffs from other bad teams. They need to take the best 3-4 front seven player available here. Andra Davis is starting at middle linebacker right now. He is so bad that the Browns wouldn’t even bring him back last season. Alabama MLB Rolando McClain is an elite middle linebacker talent that fits perfectly into Mike Nolan’s 3-4 defense, the way Patrick Willis fit into Nolan’s defense in San Francisco.

12. New York Jets 6-6

Darrelle Revis is an amazing shutdown corner, who can take any wide receiver out of the game by himself. However, it kind of defeats the purpose of having a guy like Revis if the quarterback can just pick on the opposite cornerback all day for a big game. Lito Sheppard was brought in during the offseason to start opposite Revis, but he’s been hurt and hasn’t played well when healthy. In place of Sheppard the Jets have been starting Dwight Lowery who is a good nickel corner, but not a great starting cornerback. Bringing in a talented young cornerback like Florida CB Joe Haden would help make their secondary even more dangerous.

13. Miami Dolphins 5-6

Jason Ferguson will be 35 by draft day 2010 and also will be a free agent. Bill Parcells knows how important nose tackles are for a 3-4 defense so he should take 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody here. He may be a 2 down nose tackle in the NFL, but so is Jamal Williams of the Chargers and he’s still an extremely valuable player.

14. Houston Texans 5-6

The Texans only have 15 sacks this season. Mario Williams only has 5 sacks this season because he’s being double teamed constantly. In addition to drawing the name for starting running back out of a hat, there’s one thing you can always count on Coach Gary Kubiak to do, build around his offensive and defensive lines. If the Texans get a chance to draft a big time every down left end like Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan, I think Kubiak takes it, assuming he hasn't been fired by then.

15. San Francisco 49ers 5-6

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. The Niners need some young blood at the position. Michigan CB Donovan Warren is shooting up draft board this season, after a down year last season. He’s a great man-on-man corner who quarterbacks don’t even try to throw on and he’s tough and physical against the run which Mike Singletary will love.

16. Atlanta Falcons 6-5

The Falcons weren’t very good against the pass before Brian Williams went down, but when he did, things just went south in the Atlanta defensive backfield and they can’t stop anyone, not even rookie quarterback Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers. Brian Williams is a good quarterback, but they lack any depth behind him. Kentucky CB Trevard Lindley is a great fit for their coverage scheme and would compliment Brian Williams well at cornerback.

17. Tennessee Titans 5-6

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starter corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where both starters, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft USC DE Everson Griffen in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Griffen could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars 6-5

Jags owner Wayne Weaver stated early in the season that he’s so desperate to sell tickets that he would strongly consider drafting Tim Tebow in the first round, likely leading current starter David Garrard who has completed 60% or more of my passes in each of his four years as starter to question whether or not he would have a job next season and also lose some confidence. The Jags can’t get Tebow here, so they’ll likely just take the biggest name. It’s hard to believe that a safety could be the biggest name available, but USC SS Taylor Mays is a big name safety due to his freakish athleticism and his uncontrolled tackling as part of the USC defense. Plus, it’s not like Gerald Alexander can’t be upgraded.

19. New York Giants 6-5

Kenny Phillips might be done for his career due to injury and even if he isn’t, the Giants need an upgrade at safety next to him. The Giants defense is extremely vulnerable down the middle because of their lack of talent at safety. Texas FS Earl Thomas has a reputation as an athletic ball hawking safety and is a good value at a position of need for the Giants.

20. Seattle Seahawks 4-7 (via DEN)

Its unknown if 36-year-old Walter Jones will ever play again and Sean Locklear is more of a right tackle than a left tackle. The Seahawks need a strong pass blocking left tackle, they will allow Locklear to move back to the right side where he belongs and allow right tackle Ray Willis to move back to guard, strengthening their entire offensive line for the future. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is a perfect fit for the Seahawks’ zone blocking scheme and will help whoever is the quarterback in the future for a long time.

21. Green Bay Packers 7-4

Add bruised ribs to the laundry list of minor injuries Aaron Rodgers has sustained this season, along with two sprained feet. The Packers have done a better job of protecting Rodgers since Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have returned from injury, but both are in their 30s and could retire soon. Before those two were both healthy, Rodgers was sacked 37 times in 8 games. If Tauscher and Clifton retire and neither are replaced by then, Aaron Rodgers could actually die on the field. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

22. Baltimore Ravens 6-5

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. USC WR Damian Williams is the best available at a position of huge need and is the logical pick here.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-5

If you think the Steelers have trouble protecting Big Ben now, just wait until next season, when a lot of their offensive lineman will have left via free agency. They desperately need a versatile offensive lineman and Rutgers OT Anthony Davis can play left tackle, right tackle, and both guard positions. He’s the big mauling blocker this line lacks at the moment.

24. Dallas Cowboys 8-3

Jerry Jones likes money and the big name players so he’ll draft Florida MLB Brandon Spikes. The Cowboys will be looking for inside linebackers that can play both 3-4 and 4-3, because Wade Phillips might not be back next season. Spikes can play both and the Cowboys will be looking for linebackers after failing to upgrade Zach Thomas last offseason, only replacing him with Keith Brooking.

25. Arizona Cardinals 7-4

The Cardinals already have 3 good wide receivers, but they have yet to get an upgrade at tight end. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is too good for them to pass up at this point. Even with his injury, Gresham is one of the best pass catching tight end prospects of the decade. He will make this Cardinals offense that much deadlier for whoever the quarterback is in the future.

26. Philadelphia Eagles 7-4

Even with all of the offensive linemen the Eagles brought in during the offseason, they are still not playing well on the offensive front. Andy Reid, who loves to draft offensive linemen, will want to do something about that this year and draft the biggest offensive lineman available to help himself feel more secure about his own weight problems. He doesn’t have a starting offensive lineman who weighs less than 320 pounds. 330 pound Anthony Davis isn’t available, so 330 pound Idaho OG Mike Iupati will have to do. Think Andy Reid won’t draft an offensive guard in the first round, think again. He’s done it before.

27. Cincinnati Bengals 8-3

The Bengals proved by signing Larry Johnson that they are not done taking chances on guys with character problems, even though the team is playing well. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, Cedric Benson looked like the MVP of the league before he got hurt and Larry Johnson helped the Bengals win last week when Benson was hurt and 2009 2^nd round pick Rey Maualuga who dropped for character reasons will be in the running for defensive player of the year this season. Florida DE Carlos Dunlap has an awful work ethic and recently was arrested for drunk driving, but those things are like turn ons to whoever if drafting for the Bengals. Antawn Odom is talented when healthy, but he rarely is so, assuming Michael Johnson doesn’t pan out, the Bengals still need a right end of the future and Dunlap, who has athleticism, 6-6 290 4.7, could be that guy if he straightens himself out.

28. New England Patriots 7-4

As a Patriots fan, the Pats defense makes me cringe. They let Devery Henderson run straight down field for a touchdown without a guy within 10 yards of him last week and then missed 4 tackles as the Saints turned a loss on a screen play to a touchdown and they were only able to sack Brees once all last week. However, Bill Belicheck will go value over need every time, especially with 3 picks in the 2^ndround to work with. California RB Jahvid Best would help the Patriots become even more explosive on offensive by adding that explosive homerun hitting back that they lack right now. He would compliment Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk well.

29. San Diego Chargers 8-3

The Chargers’ top two wide receivers, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd are both free agents this offseason. I don’t think they’ll resign both and even if they do, they could still use an upgrade at wide receiver over Floyd. The Chargers also have a habit of drafting for value and big names over need and Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant has both value and need for the Chargers. Plus, he’s a tall wide receiver which the Chargers love.

30. Minnesota Vikings 10-1

The Vikings seem to be set on the offensive end, with the exception of quarterback, but, even if a new regime comes in, I doubt the Vikings would reach for Colt McCoy in this situation, especially since he could be there when they pick in the 2^nd round. Defensively, they have a few issues that need to be filled. This team is built upon their defensive line’s ability to stuff the run. Pat Williams will turn 37 in October and the Vikings need to bulk up their line and their depth at the defensive tackle position. They can’t afford to lose their biggest strength, so they take a high upside defensive tackle here, in Penn State DT Jared Odrick, who can come in, learn from the Williamses, and hopefully be able to take Pat’s place when he moves on. Odrick is an amazing pass rusher for his size and would fill Pat’s old pass rushing tackle role nicely.

31. Indianapolis Colts 11-0

The Colts know value and need an upgrade at outside linebacker. Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis has top ten pick value, but drops because of his position and lack of size. For the Colts, he’s an extremely valuable player who fills a need and fits their cover 2 system perfectly, despite his lack of size, because he is good in pass coverage and has great speed.

32. New Orleans Saints 11-0

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

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-12/4/09

1. Cleveland Browns 1-9

The Browns are going to have a hard time moving Derek Anderson and/or Brady Quinn this offseason (wonder why) which means they’ll have to pay the guaranteed part of both of their contracts for next season, which could mean that, even if they cut both of them, they’ll have a lot of money tied up in the quarterback position. However, if Eric Mangini has a chance to draft Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, I think he still will even with all the money tied up in the position already. Ever since Andy Reid drafted Donovan McNabb with his first major decision as coach of the Eagles in 1999, there has been a major trend of new head coaches bringing in “their guy” at quarterback. It is extremely important for a coach to be able to trust his quarterback and a coach has a lot more trust in his quarterback if it’s someone he hand selected. Eric Mangini has ties to Charlie Weis, from their days as assistants with the New England Patriots, and Weis happens to be the coach of Jimmy Clausen, who happens to be the consensus top quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft class.

2. Detroit Lions 2-9

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they will take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 29^th against the run. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development.

3. St. Louis Rams 1-9

The Rams need to take a quarterback this year. Marc Bulger sucks and his contract makes him easy to cut this offseason. I don’t think NFL scouts and GMs are as sold on Jake Locker as ESPN is, so, by default this would be Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, who, despite his injury, has amazing potential. The Rams probably don’t want to risk waiting to draft a quarterback until the 2^nd round when they’ll likely be stuck with Jevan Snead (gag!).

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-9

Raheem Morris wants to build the defense his way as evidenced by the fact that he got rid of pretty much everyone who was on that defense last year and did not replace them. Not one of his better ideas. I’m sure he’ll take the best defensive player available here with all of the offensive necessities, quarterback and left tackle, as well as some good running backs, locked up. Tennessee FS Eric Berry is the best available defensive player here and is the type of safety that can make a good defense into a great one, a passable one into a good one, and a bad defense into a passable. They don’t have anyone like that.

5. Kansas City Chiefs 3-7

Matt Cassel has been sacked 29 times in 8 games. There were questions when the Chiefs drafted Branden Albert as to whether or not he could pass protect well enough to play left tackle in the NFL. Now, almost two years after he was drafted, it is clear the answer to that question is no. They can draft a true franchise left tackle here and move Albert around the offensive line some, either to right tackle or left guard, his natural position. Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung fits the value and the need here. 

6. Oakland Raiders 3-8

In a normal year, I wouldn’t make this pick for the Raiders, but next year is likely going to be an uncapped year, which means the Raiders can take another quarterback here, admit they messed up big time drafting JaMarcus Russell #1 overall, release him and start over again, which is not a bad idea. If Al Davis does decide to go quarterback, he will take Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker fits all of Al Davis’s qualifications. He is fast and can throw the ball a long way. He’s got a stronger arm than Tim Tebow and could run a faster 40 than Tebow, though I wouldn’t rule Tebow out here. Davis is going to forget the fact that Locker is not a good quarterback prospect, at least in my book, and just go with the 40 time and arm strength as he seemingly is incapable of learning from his mistakes.

7. Washington Redskins 3-7

The Redskins probably won’t want Jason Campbell back next season. He is a free agent and the Redskins searched for a quarterback this offseason so hard that it was as if Campbell wasn’t even there. Even if they want him back, I doubt Campbell will want to come back, so it’s safe to say that the Redskins will be looking for a quarterback when they draft in 2010. That means that the Redskins pick will be used on the biggest named quarterback available and that here is Florida QB Tim Tebow. He may not be a pure quarterback or fit the system all that well, but Daniel Snyder doesn’t care. He’ll sell tickets. The Redskins are considering Jon Gruden to coach their team. It’s no secret to anyone who watches Monday Night Football, Gruden loves Tebow.

8. Buffalo Bills 3-7

Despite adding Marcus Stroud last year, the Bills are last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and YPC allowed and are tied for last in rushing touchdowns allowed. The Bills badly need a left tackle to anchor their offensive line, but they showed last year that they put value over need and that they don’t value left tackles at all. If a prospect like Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available for them to put next to Stroud in the middle of their defensive line, they will once again ignore the left tackle position.

9. Seattle Seahawks 3-7

Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard.

10. San Francisco 49ers 4-6

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. The Niners need some young blood at the position. Florida CB Joe Haden is extremely athletic and physical and fits their coverage scheme like a glove.

11. New York Jets 4-6

Braylon Edwards is looking like a bust of a trade. He had 5 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown during his first game, which not surprisingly was nationally televised, Edwards has 11 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown in four weeks and has been charged with assault. Good thing they didn’t give up a lot for him. They can simply let him walk this offseason as a free agent. However, they’ll need to replace him. They still are without a big time #1 option. USC WR Damian Williams is my top rated wide receiver and has #1 option written all over him with his elite route running. He has played with quarterback Mark Sanchez before at USC and that will do a ton for young Sanchez’s confidence. That will be huge.

12. San Francisco 49ers (via CAR) 4-6

Not a ton of choices for the Niners here. No left tackles, quarterbacks, defensive backs, or rush linebackers that wouldn’t be major reaches. Middle linebacker is not a huge position of need for them, but I think, in this situation, if Mike Singletary gets a chance to get his hands on Alabama MLB Rolando McClain to put in the middle of his 3-4 defense next to Patrick Willis, he’ll jump at the opportunity. McClain is a freak of a middle linebacker prospect with the potential to be the next Ray Lewis, though that’s a bit of a lofty comparison at this point. Singletary will love working with him and Willis in the middle of that 3-4 defense.

13. Denver Broncos (via CHI) 7-4

After somehow being amazing against the run earlier this season, the Broncos are looking more like the Broncos we all know and love by giving up 472 rushing yards over the past three weeks, all of which were three losses. It probably has something to do with the fact that Ronald Fields, a former 49ers bench warmer who weighs only 310 pounds is playing nose tackle. They need to get a real run stopping in the middle of that defensive line. Nose tackles don’t get much more real than 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody.

14. Tennessee Titans 4-6

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starter corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where both starters, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Morgan could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense. Morgan is that physical type of defensive end that Tennessee likes. 

15. Miami Dolphins 5-5

Joey Porter is 32 years old and will be 33 by next year’s draft. He showed signs of age in his last 3 games last season and I expect that continue this season. Jason Taylor will be 36 by the 2010 season. After them, their pass rush is very thin. USC OLB Everson Griffen isn’t a pure rush linebacker, but he’s expected to run a 40 in the low 4.6s, maybe even high 4.5s, which should be enough for him to be looked at as a potential rush linebacker in the NFL. The Dolphins should bring him in to strengthen up their pass rush. He could eventually be the heir to Jason Taylor across from Porter and possibly take over as their #1 rusher after Porter is gone.

16. Houston Texans 5-5

The Texans are one of the good young teams in the league, but they still don’t have that ball hawking defensive back. Luckily for them, this is a very deep safety class so they can take one here, such as Texas FS Earl Thomas. Safety is by far the biggest need that Houston has and Thomas is the best safety available. Thomas has the hands and speed that none of Houston’s defensive backs right now really have right now. He also is from in state at the University of Texas.

17. Atlanta Falcons 5-5

Florida DE Carlos Dunlap falls here for two reasons. One, he can only play in a 4-3 scheme and the 3-4 is becoming more and more popular in the NFL. Two, he is struggling this year and, though he may be the most athletic player in this draft class, he has been slapped with that lazy tag because he doesn’t always give his 100% out there. He does have 6 sacks, but 4 of them were in the last 2 weeks and he has looked lazy on tape and reported lazy in practice. It killed Michael Johnson last year, who went from potential top 5 pick to 3^rd rounder in his senior season, and it could greatly hurt Dunlap, who has top pick potential. Nonetheless, the Falcons can’t pass on his upside. Jamaal Anderson is still the starting left end and he has no sacks this season. In fact, he only has 2 since being drafted 8^th overall in 2007, despite being given every opportunity to succeed. They drafted Lawrence Sidbury last year, but he’s more of a nickel rusher. They need an every down left end and Dunlap could serve that role.

18. Baltimore Ravens 5-5

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is playing very well this season and is the type of wide receiver the Ravens need. He is tough and can block and has experience in a conservative pro style offense at LSU. He’ll fit in the Ravens’ offense very nicely and can help them right away.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars 6-4

The Jags have been destroyed by every quarterback they have faced this year. They desperately need cornerbacks who actually fit their zone coverage scheme. CB Virginia Ras-I Dowling fits their cover 2 system perfectly. He has played in a zone system for 4 years in college at Virginia and has excelled.

20. New York Giants 6-5

The Giants have to be pleased with the way this draft has gone. The Giants always seem to be able to come out with really good players and this year won’t be an exception. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is still available here. He is the best player available and fits their needs like a glove. Kevin Boss is big, but he’s not a great tight end. Gresham would give Eli yet another young pass catcher, this time a skilled tight end to pair with his young wide outs.

21. Green Bay Packers 7-4

This is ridiculous. I think the Packers’ offensive line is made out of cheese. They have given up 44 sacks in 11 games and gave up 6 sacks to the Bucs a few weeks ago. In other news, the Bucs have a pass rush. They have given up all of these sacks despite playing the Rams, the Bucs, the Browns and the Lions in four of their nine games. Chad Clifton’s return didn’t help, in fact one could argue that the 33-year-old left tackle only made things worse. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

22. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) 3-7

The Seahawks averaged 11 inches a carry last week against Minnesota. They were without starter Julius Jones, but something tells me that even if he played, they wouldn’t have been able to do much on the ground. Jones is only averaging 3.7 yards per carry this season. They need running back help. Fresno State RB Ryan Matthews is a great fit for their zone blocking scheme and would compliment Julius Jones and Justin Forsett well.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-4

If you think the Steelers have trouble protecting Big Ben now, just wait until next season, when a lot of their offensive lineman will have left via free agency. They desperately need a versatile offensive lineman. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available offensive lineman. Bulaga can start at either tackle position next year for the Steelers.

24. Philadelphia Eagles 6-4

Shawn Andrews is hurt again and might not play again in his career. Good thing they gave him all that money. Andy Reid loves to invest in his offensive and defensive lines so he’ll look for a big mauling offensive lineman to play opposite Jason Peters here. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis definitely bits that model. He is a big 6-5 330 pound right tackle and if Andy Reid puts him on his all fat diet, he could be up to 350 in no time. All of Reid’s starting offensive lineman are over 320 pounds.

25. Dallas Cowboys 8-3

The Cowboys cut Roy Williams in the 2009 offseason and did not replace him. Jerry Jones is probably going to want to take a big name safety here and they don’t get much bigger than USC SS Taylor Mays. He will draft Mays and play him opposite Ken Hamlin. He probably won’t even notice that Mays, unless he figures out how to defense guys man-on-man, is essentially a really, really fast version of Roy Williams.

26. Cincinnati Bengals 7-3

Cedric Benson is having a good year running for the Bengals, but it’s not like he’s been the most historically reliable guy. Even if that weren’t the case, the Bengals do need a speed threat to compliment him. They lack that homerun hitter back. California RB Javhid Best is an amazingly fast Heisman candidate at the moment and will give the Bengals an amazing running back combination, with Best using his speed and pass catching abilities to compliment Benson’s power running, in the way that Chris Johnson compliments LenDale White in Tennessee.

27. Arizona Cardinals 7-3

Karlos Dansby is a free agent this offseason and has already been slapped with the franchise tag twice so I’m not sure they’ll be willing to pay how much it will take to slap it on him again, especially since he’ll be pretty angry if that happens and may hold out. They haven’t offered him anywhere near what he wants in terms of a longterm deal so I don’t think he’ll be back next season. Even if he returns, they could use an upgrade over Gerald Hayes in the middle of their 4 linebacker corps. Florida MLB Brandon Spikes fits their 3-4 scheme well and can also play the 4-3 when they decide to go to that scheme which they do on occasion. He’s the best available player and fills a need.

28. San Diego Chargers 7-3

Igor Olshansky left as a free agent and he was never replaced. The Chargers will want to focus on that here to plug up holes on their defense. Penn State DE Jared Odrick is an elite 3-4 defensive end prospect who is one of the best available players here.

29. Minnesota Vikings 9-1

Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is a huge project at quarterback and needs time to develop his footwork, but he has Peyton Manning esque upside. The Vikings have their quarterback position figured out for now, but that’s only until Brett Favre retires and/or leaves the team to go play for someone else. I don’t think Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels are the long term answers so Mallett is a perfect fit for them here as the Aaron Rodgers type project behind Favre. Mallett can sit some, learn from one of the best, and then take over when he is ready.

30. Indianapolis Colts 10-0

The Colts know value and need an upgrade at outside linebacker. Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis has top ten pick value, but drops because of his position and lack of size. For the Colts, he’s an extremely valuable player who fills a need and fits their cover 2 system perfectly, despite his lack of size, because he is good in pass coverage and has great speed.

31. New Orleans Saints 10-0

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

32. New England Patriots 7-3

The Pats are thin at linebacker after the retirement of Tedy Bruschi and they will need a linebacker who can play both the 3-4 and the 4-3, because they are using both systems this year. Michigan MLB Greg Jones is an extremely versatile, however raw linebacker, that reminds me a lot of Jerod Mayo, who has been a huge part of the Pats defense for the past year or so and figures to be a huge part of their future as well.

-11/27/09 

1. Cleveland Browns 1-8

The Browns are going to have a hard time moving Derek Anderson and/or Brady Quinn this offseason (wonder why) which means they’ll have to pay the guaranteed part of both of their contracts for next season, which could mean that, even if they cut both of them, they’ll have a lot of money tied up in the quarterback position. However, if Eric Mangini has a chance to draft Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, I think he still will even with all the money tied up in the position already. Ever since Andy Reid drafted Donovan McNabb with his first major decision as coach of the Eagles in 1999, there has been a major trend of new head coaches bringing in “their guy” at quarterback. It is extremely important for a coach to be able to trust his quarterback and a coach has a lot more trust in his quarterback if it’s someone he hand selected. Eric Mangini has ties to Charlie Weis, from their days as assistants with the New England Patriots, and Weis happens to be the coach of Jimmy Clausen, who happens to be the consensus top quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft class.

2. St. Louis Rams 1-8

The Rams need to take a quarterback this year. Marc Bulger sucks and his contract makes him easy to cut this offseason. I don’t think NFL scouts and GMs are as sold on Jake Locker as ESPN is, so, by default this would be Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, who, despite his injury, has amazing potential. The Rams probably don’t want to risk waiting to draft a quarterback until the 2^nd round when they’ll likely be stuck with Jevan Snead (gag!).

3. Detroit Lions 1-8

The Lions need a franchise left tackle badly, but they have proven that they will take the best available player regardless of need. Left tackle would help them and Matt Stafford majorly, but they are going to take best available player. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best available player and it’s not like the Lions don’t need any help at that position. Despite the surprisingly good play of Sammie Lee Hill at defensive tackle, they are still ranked 29^th against the run. However, left tackle is more of an immediate need for them. I hope, if they don’t take one in the first round, that they take one in the 2^nd round, for their own good. Jeff Backus is not the guy you want protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside during his development.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-8

Raheem Morris wants to build the defense his way as evidenced by the fact that he got rid of pretty much everyone who was on that defense last year and did not replace them. Not one of his better ideas. I’m sure he’ll take the best defensive player available here with all of the offensive necessities, quarterback and left tackle, as well as some good running backs, locked up. Tennessee FS Eric Berry is the best available defensive player here and is the type of safety that can make a good defense into a great one, a passable one into a good one, and a bad defense into a passable. They don’t have anyone like that.

5. Oakland Raiders 2-7

In a normal year, I wouldn’t make this pick for the Raiders, but next year is likely going to be an uncapped year, which means the Raiders can take another quarterback here, admit they messed up big time drafting JaMarcus Russell #1 overall, release him and start over again, which is not a bad idea. If Al Davis does decide to go quarterback, he will take Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker fits all of Al Davis’s qualifications. He is fast and can throw the ball a long way. He’s got a stronger arm than Tim Tebow and could run a faster 40 than Tebow, though I wouldn’t rule Tebow out here. Davis is going to forget the fact that Locker is not a good quarterback prospect, at least in my book, and just go with the 40 time and arm strength as he seemingly is incapable of learning from his mistakes.

6. Kansas City Chiefs 2-7

Matt Cassel has been sacked 29 times in 8 games. There were questions when the Chiefs drafted Branden Albert as to whether or not he could pass protect well enough to play left tackle in the NFL. Now, almost two years after he was drafted, it is clear the answer to that question is no. They can draft a true franchise left tackle here and move Albert around the offensive line some, either to right tackle or left guard, his natural position. Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung fits the value and the need here. 

7. Washington Redskins 3-6

The Redskins probably won’t want Jason Campbell back next season. He is a free agent and the Redskins searched for a quarterback this offseason so hard that it was as if Campbell wasn’t even there. Even if they want him back, I doubt Campbell will want to come back, so it’s safe to say that the Redskins will be looking for a quarterback when they draft in 2010. That means that the Redskins pick will be used on the biggest named quarterback available and that here is Florida QB Tim Tebow. He may not be a pure quarterback or fit the system all that well, but Daniel Snyder doesn’t care. He’ll sell tickets. The Redskins are considering Jon Gruden to coach their team. It’s no secret to anyone who watched Monday Night Football, Gruden loves Tebow.

8. Buffalo Bills 3-6

Despite adding Marcus Stroud last year, the Bills are last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and YPC allowed and are tied for last in rushing touchdowns allowed. The Bills badly need a left tackle to anchor their offensive line, but they showed last year that they put value over need and that they don’t value left tackles at all. If a prospect like Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is available for them to put next to Stroud in the middle of their defensive line, they will once again ignore the left tackle position.

9. Seattle Seahawks 3-6

Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard.

10. Tennessee Titans 3-6

The Titans are known for their defense under Jeff Fisher. However, defense is now an issue for them. They lost Albert Haynesworth and replaced him with Jovan Haye, which, no offense to Haye, is a big downgrade. Starter corner Nick Harper is 35 and their linebackers are very mediocre with the exception of Keith Bulluck, who happens to be 32 and in the last season of his contract. However, their biggest defensive need is defensive end, where both starters, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are free agents after the 2009 season and could leave the team. Tennessee should draft Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in case one or both of them leave. Even if neither of them do, Morgan could be a good depth guy and a future replacement for Kearse, who turns 33 this season. It would be too big of a risk for them not to take an end, as defensive end has quickly grown into the most important position on defense. Hardy is that physical type of defensive end that Tennessee likes. 

 11. San Francisco 49ers 4-5

Not a ton of choices for the Niners here. No left tackles, quarterbacks, defensive backs, or rush linebackers that wouldn’t be major reaches. Middle linebacker is not a huge position of need for them, but I think, in this situation, if Mike Singletary gets a chance to get his hands on Alabama MLB Rolando McClain to put in the middle of his 3-4 defense next to Patrick Willis, he’ll jump at the opportunity. McClain is a freak of a middle linebacker prospect with the potential to be the next Ray Lewis, though that’s a bit of a lofty comparison at this point. Singletary will love working with him and Willis in the middle of that 3-4 defense.

12. New York Jets 4-5

Braylon Edwards is looking like a bust of a trade. He had 5 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown during his first game, which not surprisingly was nationally televised, Edwards has 11 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown in four weeks and has been charged with assault. Good thing they didn’t give up a lot for him. They can simply let him walk this offseason as a free agent. However, they’ll need to replace him. They still are without a big time #1 option. USC WR Damian Williams is my top rated wide receiver and has #1 option written all over him with his elite route running. He has played with quarterback Mark Sanchez before at USC and that will do a ton for young Sanchez’s confidence. That will be huge.

13. Denver Broncos (via CHI) 6-3

After somehow being amazing against the run earlier this season, the Broncos are looking more like the Broncos we all know and love by giving up 472 rushing yards over the past three weeks, all of which were three losses. It probably has something to do with the fact that Ronald Fields, a former 49ers bench warmer who weighs only 310 pounds is playing nose tackle. They need to get a real run stopping in the middle of that defensive line. Nose tackles don’t get much more real than 370 pound Alabama NT Terrence Cody.

14. San Francisco 49ers 4-5

When ‘Dre Bly is not busy making a fool of himself on an interception, by high stepping starting from the 30 yard line with a potential tackler a few feet behind him such that he gets tackled, loses the ball, and turns 7 points into a fumble, he’s busy getting burnt by quicker, faster, younger, more athletic receivers. The only reason he has a job is because Walt Harris, who is equally old and slow, had to have season ending knee surgery before the season. The Niners need some young blood at the position. Florida CB Joe Haden is extremely athletic and physical and fits their coverage scheme like a glove.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-4

The Jags have been destroyed by every quarterback they have faced this year. They desperately need cornerbacks who actually fit their zone coverage scheme.Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling fits their cover 2 system perfectly. He has played in a zone system for 4 years in college at Virginia and has excelled.

16. Miami Dolphins 5-5

Joey Porter is 32 years old and will be 33 by next year’s draft. He showed signs of age in his last 3 games last season and I expect that continue this season. Jason Taylor will be 36 by the 2010 season. After them, their pass rush is very thin. USC OLB Everson Griffen isn’t a pure rush linebacker, but he’s expected to run a 40 in the low 4.6s, maybe even high 4.5s, which should be enough for him to be looked at as a potential rush linebacker in the NFL. The Dolphins should bring him in to strengthen up their pass rush. He could eventually be the heir to Jason Taylor across from Porter and possibly take over as their #1 rusher after Porter is gone.

17. Green Bay Packers 5-4

This is ridiculous. I think the Packers’ offensive line is made out of cheese. They have given up 41 sacks in 9 games and gave up 6 sacks to the Bucs two weeks ago. In other news, the Bucs have a pass rush. They have given up all of these sacks despite playing the Rams, the Bucs, the Browns and the Lions in four of their nine games. Chad Clifton’s return didn’t help, in fact one could argue that the 33-year-old left tackle only made things worse. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

18. Baltimore Ravens 5-4

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is playing very well this season and is the type of wide receiver the Ravens need. He is tough and can block and has experience in a conservative pro style offense at LSU. He’ll fit in the Ravens’ offense very nicely and can help them right away.

19. Atlanta Falcons 5-4

Florida DE Carlos Dunlap falls here for two reasons. One, he can only play in a 4-3 scheme and the 3-4 is becoming more and more popular in the NFL. Two, he is struggling this year and, though he may be the most athletic player in this draft class, he has been slapped with that lazy tag because he doesn’t always give his 100% out there. He does have 6 sacks, but 4 of them were in the last 2 weeks and he has looked lazy on tape and reported lazy in practice. It killed Michael Johnson last year, who went from potential top 5 pick to 3^rd rounder in his senior season, and it could greatly hurt Dunlap, who has top pick potential. Nonetheless, the Falcons can’t pass on his upside. Jamaal Anderson is still the starting left end and he has no sacks this season. In fact, he only has 2 since being drafted 8^th overall in 2007, despite being given every opportunity to succeed. They drafted Lawrence Sidbury last year, but he’s more of a nickel rusher. They need an every down left end and Dunlap could serve that role.

20. Houston Texans 5-4

The Texans are one of the good young teams in the league, but they still don’t have that ball hawking defensive back. Luckily for them, this is a very deep safety class so they can take one here, such as Texas FS Earl Thomas. Safety is by far the biggest need that Houston has and Thomas is the best safety available. Thomas has the hands and speed that none of Houston’s defensive backs right now really have right now. He also is from in state at the University of Texas.

21. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) 3-6

The Seahawks are really struggling at running back. Julius Jones has proven time and time again that he is not capable of being an every down back in this league. They need someone who can. California RB Jahvid Best is one of the best running back prospects in this draft class. He fits their zone blocking scheme like a glove and fits the mold of Seahawk players drafted in years past. The Seahawks have proven they don’t like surprises. They often draft accomplished college players from distinguished college programs, rather than going for an unknown or drafting a kid based on upside. Best is a Heisman candidate this year for the California Golden Bears despite the fact he’s only 20 years old. He may be the best of both worlds, upside and provenness, when you think about it.

22. Philadelphia Eagles 5-4

Shawn Andrews is hurt again and might not play again in his career. Good thing they gave him all that money. Andy Reid loves to invest in his offensive and defensive lines so he’ll look for a big mauling offensive lineman to play opposite Jason Peters here. Rutgers OT Anthony Davis definitely bits that model. He is a big 6-5 330 pound right tackle and if Andy Reid puts him on his all fat diet, he could be up to 350 in no time. All of Reid’s starting offensive lineman are over 320 pounds.

23. Arizona Cardinals 6-3

The Cardinals strong passing game relies on pass protection. Mike Gandy, at right tackle, is a free agent after the 2009 season and he’ll be 31 then anyway. With no other major needs, they can bring in another right tackle through the draft. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga would fill that need and allow this amazing passing game to continue. A strong offensive line will be even more important if Matt Leinart has to come in and start, if Kurt Warner decides to hang ‘em up.

24. Dallas Cowboys 6-3

The Cowboys cut Roy Williams in the 2009 offseason and did not replace him. Jerry Jones is probably going to want to take a big name safety here and they don’t get much bigger than USC SS Taylor Mays. He will draft Mays and play him opposite Ken Hamlin. He probably won’t even notice that Mays, unless he figures out how to defense guys man-on-man, is essentially a really, really fast version of Roy Williams.

25. New York Giants 5-4

The Giants have to be pleased with the way this draft has gone. The Giants always seem to be able to come out with really good players and this year won’t be an exception. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is still available here. He is the best player available and fits their needs like a glove. Kevin Boss is big, but he’s not a great tight end. Gresham would give Eli yet another young pass catcher, this time a skilled tight end to pair with his young wide outs.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-3

If you think the Steelers have trouble protecting Big Ben now, just wait until next season, when a lot of their offensive lineman will have left via free agency. They desperately need a versatile offensive lineman. LSU OT Ciron Black is the best available offensive lineman. Young can start at either tackle position next year for the Steelers.

27. San Diego Chargers 6-3

The Chargers have needed an upgrade in the middle of their 3-4 defense at middle linebacker, but they have preferred taking big name players in recent years. Florida MLB Brandon Spikes is both a big name and a middle linebacker who fits their system well. He can add to an already talented defense.

28. Cincinnati Bengals 7-2

Cedric Benson is having a good year running for the Bengals, but it’s not like he’s been the most historically reliable guy. Even if that weren’t the case, the Bengals do need a speed threat to compliment him. They lack that homerun hitter back. Clemson RB CJ Spiller is amazingly fast and will give the Bengals an amazing running back combination, with Best using his speed and pass catching abilities to compliment Benson’s power running, in the way that Chris Johnson compliments LenDale White in Tennessee. He’s also an amazing pass catcher and 3^rd down back with Benson is not and he can help in the return game.

29. Minnesota Vikings 8-1

Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is a huge project at quarterback and needs time to develop his footwork, but he has Peyton Manning esque upside. The Vikings have their quarterback position figured out for now, but that’s only until Brett Favre retires and/or leaves the team to go play for someone else. I don’t think Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels are the long term answers so Mallett is a perfect fit for them here as the Aaron Rodgers type project behind Favre. Mallett can sit some, learn from one of the best, and then take over when he is ready.

30. Indianapolis Colts 9-0

The Colts know value and need an upgrade at outside linebacker. Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis has top ten pick value, but drops because of his position and lack of size. For the Colts, he’s an extremely valuable player who fills a need and fits their cover 2 system perfectly, despite his lack of size, because he is good in pass coverage and has great speed.

31. New Orleans Saints 9-0

The Saints, with only 1 pick in the first 3 rounds of the 2009 NFL draft, were unable to secure a good young outside linebacker. Good news for them, they’ll be able to add a great one here in Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon. Lewis will add another young playmaker to an improving defense and help this team in all facets of the game.

32. New England Patriots 6-3

The Pats are thin at linebacker after the retirement of Tedy Bruschi and they will need a linebacker who can play both the 3-4 and the 4-3, because they are using both systems this year. Michigan MLB Greg Jones is an extremely versatile, however raw linebacker, that reminds me a lot of Jerod Mayo, who has been a huge part of the Pats defense for the past year or so and figures to be a huge part of their future as well.

1. Cleveland Browns 1-7

The Browns are going to have a hard time moving Derek Anderson and/or Brady Quinn this offseason (wonder why) which means they’ll have to pay the guaranteed part of both of their contracts for next season, which could mean that, even if they cut both of them, they’ll have a lot of money tied up in the quarterback position. However, if Eric Mangini has a chance to draft Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, I think he still will even with all the money tied up in the position already. Ever since Andy Reid drafted Donovan McNabb with his first major decision as coach of the Eagles in 1999, there has been a major trend of new head coaches bringing in “their guy” at quarterback. It is extremely important for a coach to be able to trust his quarterback and a coach has a lot more trust in his quarterback if it’s someone he hand selected. Eric Mangini has ties to Charlie Weis, from their days as assistants with the New England Patriots, and Weis happens to be the coach of Jimmy Clausen, who happens to be the consensus top quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft class.

2. St. Louis Rams 1-7

The Rams need to take a quarterback this year. Marc Bulger sucks and his contract makes him easy to cut this offseason. I don’t think NFL scouts and GMs are as sold on Jake Locker as ESPN is, so, by default this would be Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, who, despite his injury, has amazing potential. The Rams probably don’t want to risk waiting to draft a quarterback until the 2^nd round when they’ll likely be stuck with Jevan Snead (gag!).

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-7

I have said this pick will come down to either Gerald McCoy or Carlos Dunlap in weeks past. However, I don’t think Dunlap will go this high because he’s really struggling this season and is getting a reputation as being lazy, which is very, very bad for him. Michael Johnson had top 5 pick potential last year and plummeted to round 3 when he was slapped with the lazy tag. That being said, I don’t think this will be McCoy either, because Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is having a huge season and has really showcased himself as the complete defensive tackle. He’s having a huge year this year, better than McCoy, and makes more sense here. He also fits Tampa Bay’s scheme better.

4. Detroit Lions 1-7

I don’t like what the Lions did in their draft last year after they drafted Stafford. I don’t think they focused enough on their front 7 or their offensive line. The Lions will need a franchise left tackle to protect Matt Stafford if they want to avoid Stafford turning into David Carr, after passing on Jason Smith, as well as both Eben Britton and William Beatty, twice. Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung is the top left tackle in this class and is on the level of Joe Thomas, Jake Long, and Jason Smith. They need him here. 

5. Kansas City Chiefs 1-7

The Chiefs desperately need someone who can get pressure on the quarterback. They had 10 sacks last season and didn’t really do anything to fix that with the exception of moving to a defensive scheme their players don’t fit in. This year, they only have one and their defense is being destroyed. However, this draft is really weak on pass rushers so they’ll just go best defensive player here. It’ll be heard for them to pass up Tennessee FS Eric Berry. He’s one of the best safety prospects to come out of college football in a longtime. He should become that Ed Reed type player at the next level, who makes a bad defense passable, a passable defense good, and a good defense great. The Chiefs desperately need that.

6. Oakland Raiders 2-6

In a normal year, I wouldn’t make this pick for the Raiders, but next year is likely going to be an uncapped year, which means the Raiders can take another quarterback here, admit they messed up big time drafting JaMarcus Russell #1 overall, release him and start over again, which is not a bad idea. If Al Davis does decide to go quarterback, he will take Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker fits all of Al Davis’s qualifications. He is fast and can throw the ball a long way. He’s got a stronger arm than Tim Tebow and could run a faster 40 than Tebow, though I wouldn’t rule Tebow out here. Davis is going to forget the fact that Locker is not a good quarterback prospect, at least in my book, and just go with the 40 time and arm strength as he seemingly is incapable of learning from his mistakes.

7. Washington Redskins 2-6

The Redskins probably won’t want Jason Campbell back next season. He is a free agent and the Redskins searched for a quarterback this offseason so hard that it was as if Campbell wasn’t even there. Even if they want him back, I doubt Campbell will want to come back, so it’s safe to say that the Redskins will be looking for a quarterback when they draft in 2010. That means that the Redskins pick will be used on the biggest named quarterback available and that here is Florida QB Tim Tebow. He may not be a pure quarterback, but Daniel Snyder doesn’t care. He’ll sell tickets. The Redskins are considering Jon Gruden who, it’s no secret to anyone who watched Monday Night Football, loves Tebow

8. Tennessee Titans 2-6

It’s not the Titans’ run defense that is struggling without Albert Haynesworth this season, in fact they’re one of the best run stopping teams in the league once again. Its their pass defense. Albert Haynesworth was a pass rushing menace for them and right now they really lack that. Adding a big time defensive line playmaker like Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is going to be tough for the Titans to pass on, especially if they have a pick this earlier, when drafting a cornerback is not the best idea.

9. Buffalo Bills 3-5

The Bills have given Trent Edwards a bunch of weapons to work with but they lack that true pass blocking left tackle. Langston Walker was supposed to start at left tackle this year, but he was cut right before the season. That’s a very bad sign. Demetrius Bell, their new starting left tackle, leads the league in penalties and their offensive line as a whole had 9 false starts a few weeks ago in a loss to the Browns. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga is the best available player at a position of dire need for the Bills.

10. Seattle Seahawks 3-5

Their left tackle position is a mess. Walter Jones could be done for his career and Sean Locklear, even when healthy, is more of a right tackle than a left. If they take a good zone blocking left tackle here like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, who is shooting up my draft board and plenty of others’, they can have a very strong young offensive line. Having Campbell and Locklear together on the offensive line would allow them to move Ray Willis from tackle to guard, where he belongs, and give them a very good offensive line for the future, with Locklear and Campbell at tackle and Willis and promising rookie, and 2009 2^nd round pick, Max Unger at guard.

11. San Francisco 49ers 4-5 (via CAR)

Not a ton of choices for the Niners here. No left tackles, quarterbacks, defensive backs, or rush linebackers that wouldn’t be major reaches. Middle linebacker is not a huge position of need for them, but I think, in this situation, if Mike Singletary gets a chance to get his hands on Alabama MLB Rolando McClain to put in the middle of his 3-4 defense next to Patrick Willis, he’ll jump at the opportunity. McClain is a freak of a middle linebacker prospect with the potential to be the next Ray Lewis, though that’s a bit of a lofty comparison at this point. Singletary will love working with him and Willis in the middle of that 3-4 defense.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars 4-4

 The Jags have been destroyed by every quarterback they have faced this year. They desperately need cornerbacks who actually fit their zone coverage scheme. Florida CB Joe Haden is an amazing athlete, but often gets burnt in man coverage. He could end up flourishing in the Jags’ cover 2 scheme and has all of the athletic tools (and then some) to be a #1 cornerback.

13. Denver Broncos 6-2 (via CHI)

I have said many times that I don’t think this team is as good as their record says they are, but their defense has truly been amazing. There is no denying that. Mike Nolan has really turned a bunch of scrubs into a really strong defense. They are somehow allowing only 3.7 yards per carry despite the fact that their nose tackle is a 310 pound former bench warmer for the San Francisco 49ers. Imagine how good they can be if they get a real nose tackle in there. At 370 pounds, Alabama NT Terence Cody is about as real as nose tackles come.

14. New York Jets 4-4

Braylon Edwards is looking like a bust of a trade. He had 5 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown during his first game, which not surprisingly was nationally televised, Edwards has 8 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown in three weeks and has been charged with assault. Good thing they didn’t give up a lot for him. They can simply let him walk this offseason as a free agent. However, they’ll need to replace him. They still are without a big time #1 option. USC WR Damian Williams is my top rated wide receiver and has #1 option written all over him with his elite route running. He has played with quarterback Mark Sanchez before at USC and that will do a ton for young Sanchez’s confidence. That will be huge.

15. Miami Dolphins 3-5

Joey Porter is 32 years old and will be 33 by next year’s draft. He showed signs of age in his last 3 games last season and I expect that continue this season. Jason Taylor will be 36 by the 2010 season. After them, their pass rush is very thin. USC OLB Everson Griffen isn’t a pure rush linebacker, but he’s expected to run a 40 in the low 4.6s, maybe even high 4.5s, which should be enough for him to be looked at as a potential rush linebacker in the NFL. The Dolphins should bring him in to strengthen up their pass rush. He could eventually be the heir to Jason Taylor across from Porter and possibly take over as their #1 rusher after Porter is gone.

16. San Francisco 49ers 4-5

Shaun Hill was the quarterback to start the season, but he wasn’t great, with a QB rating of 79.6, and only went over 200 yards once, the season opener. He was replaced by Alex Smith, who had a great game week 7 in relief of Hill. However, in his past three starts since week 7, Smith has posted QB ratings of 74.7, 69.3, and 63.3. If they can get another quarterback this offseason, I think they’ll go for it. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is extremely raw as a redshirt sophomore, but could be forced into the draft by the threat of a rookie pay scale in 2011. Despite his inexperience and rawness, Mallett has shown flashes of Peyton Manning this season and has more upside than any quarterback in this draft class and maybe more than any quarterback in recent past drafts.

17. Green Bay Packers 4-4

This is ridiculous. I think the Packers’ offensive line is made out of cheese. They have given up 37 sacks in 8 games and gave up 6 sacks to the Bucs last week. In other news, the Bucs have a pass rush. They have given up all of these sacks despite playing the Rams, the Bucs, the Browns and the Lions in four of their 8 games. Chad Clifton’s return didn’t help, in fact one could argue that the 33-year-old left tackle only made things worse. They need a good young tackle familiar with a zone blocking scheme and athletic enough to play in it. USC OT Charles Brown might be the best pure zone blocking tackle in this draft class and that will shoot him up draft boards like it did with former USC tackle Sam Baker in 2008.

18. Houston Texans 5-4

The Texans are one of the good young teams in the league, but they still don’t have that ball hawking defensive back. Luckily for them, this is a very deep safety class so they can take one here, such as Texas FS Earl Thomas. Safety is by far the biggest need that Houston has and Thomas is the best safety available. Thomas has the hands and speed that none of Houston’s defensive backs right now really have right now. He also is from in state at the University of Texas.

19. Baltimore Ravens 4-4

Baltimore did not draft a wide receiver which means they are confident in their ability to resign Derrick Mason, a free agent after the 2009 season. That might be a bad move because if Mason leaves, they are really only left with Mark Clayton, which would be very bad for young quarterback Joe Flacco’s development moving forward. Even if Mason returns, he will be 36 by next year’s Super Bowl, so they need a longterm replacement. LSU WR Brandon LaFell is playing very well this season and is the type of wide receiver the Ravens need. He is tough and can block and has experience in a conservative pro style offense at LSU. He’ll fit in the Ravens’ offense very nicely and can help them right away.

20. New York Giants 5-4

The Giants have to b