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2010 1st Round Mock Draft: Updated 11/04

This one's dedicated to all the other sick, sick draft freaks out there like myself. I can already sense being challenged by who I chose for the Steelers this week. Yes I would love for an Eric Berry of Rolando McClain to fall to us, or for the Steelers to trade up to get them, but neither of those are going to happen. While the Steelers have shown a willingness to trade up to get someone they like, it's never been more than about 10 slots higher and it'll take more than that to get Cody or McClain. And we'd have to pull a Ditka and trade all of our picks to move up to get Berry.

 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh DT, Nebraska
I really thought the Bucs would eventually produce a few mediocre wins but that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. They have needs in multiple areas but especially on the defensive side of the ball. Right now their most pressing need is for someone to collapse the pocket and Suh can do that very well. Having already drafted the quarterback of the future last year in John Freeman, the only other option I could see this pick being is Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung to protect said QB.

2. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry S, Tennessee
Cleveland needs help everywhere. This franchise is a disaster. In all probability they need a franchise QB, but I don’t think they’ll pull the trigger on that option since they have two QB’s on the roster that are at least adequate. And already having a cornerstone LT in Joe Thomas pretty much means they’re a lock for Berry if he’s available. Berry is pretty much the consensus best player in college football and is a once a decade talent in the mold of Ed Reed. Cleveland has seen first hand what a great safety can do for a franchise with division examples like Reed and Troy Polamalu.

3. St. Louis Rams: Jimmy Clausen QB, Notre Dame
The Rams number one priority this off season will be to find a new Quarterback. There’s no debate about it. In the last two years they have passed on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez. Clausen is having a great season and pro scouts will love the fact that he plays in a pro-style offense under center. If for some reason the Rams management thinks that Marc Bulger has any gas left in the tank they might consider taking the best defensive player available which would be Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy.

4. Detroit Lions: Russell Okung OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions need a cornerstone LT to protect their 40 million dollar man in Matt Stafford. Okung is the top LT prospect and plays a near-flawless game. He athletic, uses his hands very well, and has quick feet to get out in front of speed rushers.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland
Matt Cassell needs a LT that will give him enough time to throw the ball down field. KC spent a lot of money on Cassell and it would be nice if they got a return on their investment. It would also allow them to move 2008 1st round pick Brandon Albert to LG, his natural position, since it doesn't seem like he can make it playing on the outside. Campbell is showing strong play this season and is very similar to Okung. With Berry already off the board there are no other elite prospects available at a position of need for the Chiefs to consider with a top 5 pick.

6. Tennessee Titans: Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma
The Titans are having the most disappointing season this year after having the regular seasons’ best record a year ago. They have multiple needs, including QB, but Titans owner Bud Adams still likes Vince Young and that is the only reason I see them not going after a QB with this pick. Cornerback is probably their biggest need but without one worthy of this pick they will go with McCoy. The loss of Albert Haynesworth to free agency has exposed the lack of playmakers in the backfield of this defense. McCoy is the most polished DT prospect and has a quick burst and is great at using his hands to shed blockers.

7. Oakland Raiders: Taylor Mays S, USC
It’s been two weeks in a row that Mays was exposed as the player he is, reckless and undisciplined. With all of his exceptional athleticism, he takes poor angles in coverage and is only concerned with trying to lay out the big hit. We all know that Al Davis is enamored with speed, so if Mays is available this is a lock pick. Mays will stumble on draft day if Oakland comes to its senses and picks a replacement for the failed JaMarcus Russell experiment. In that event, Davis will surely go with Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker has the arm strength to throw the deep passes and is very mobile with a 4.6 40 time. Although don’t be surprised if Davis goes with Florida DE Carlos Dunlap, whose freakish measurables Davis with also love.  

8. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
With the benching of Jason Campbell and his continued poor play the Redskins have clearly lost all faith in him. Coach Zorn was stripped of his play-calling duties and will almost definitely be fired at the end of the season. Regardless, team owner Dan Snyder seems to hate Campbell and is going to replace him. A better pick would be an OT but Snyder is going to go with a flashy, big name like Bradford.

9. Buffalo Bills: Charles Brown OT, USC
Look for the Bills to replace the gaping hole left by the Jason Peters trade to Philly unless one of the top tier prospects like McCoy fall.  This is a little high for Brown but he’s the only OT prospect left who projects to play on the left side with the struggles of Oklahoma OT Trent Williams and the injuries to Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga.

10. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker QB, Washington
Without any top tier left tackle prospects left to replace the aging Walter Jones, look for the Hawks to find an heir apparent to often injured Matt Hasselbeck. Locker comes from a shotgun style offense and will take some time to develop, but he’s a solid player with a strong arm and great mobility.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State
The Jags need a number one receiver despite being burned by plenty of them in recent years(Matt Jones, Reggie Williams) and find one in Bryant. I know Jags owner Wayne Weaver insists that he will draft Florida QB Tim Tebow if he gets the opportunity but Tebow is not a first round talent and will be available in the second or third round. The recent suspension of Bryant for lying about conversations with Deion Sanders will not hurt is draft stock. He’s got all the intangibles you look for in a receiver and looks a lot like Andre Johnson did when he came out of Miami.

12. San Francisco 49ers(via Carolina Panthers): Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa
The 49ers greatest need is a RT to play opposite Joe Staley. Bulaga has had a down season with injuries and a thyroid condition but would be a perfect fit at RT at the pro level with his work ethic and run-blocking ability. Other options may be Florida CB Joe Hayden or Alabama ILB Rolando McClain who is continuing to rise up draft boards.

13. New York Jets: Joe Hayden CB, Florida
Having found a legitimate down field threat, at least for now, in the trade for Braylon Edwards, the Jets will most likely look for someone to play opposite Darrell Revis. They may also look for defensive line help, especially at DT where Kris Jenkins has had the second season-ending injury of his career. If the Jets decide to go wide receiver look for them to possibly take USC WR Damian Williams, whom QB Mark Sanchez had a great re pore with during his last year in college and will almost assuridy lobby for.

14. Miami Dolphins: Terrence Cody DT, Alabama
With the secondary shored up in last years draft look for the Fins to plug up their defensive front. They have been using aging veterans to plug the gaps for some time and could really use a shot of youth. Alternatives here could be help at linebacker. Team architect Bill Parcells may not look favorably on Codys prior weight issues in which case the most likely option would be Alabamas' ILB Rolando McClain.

15. Denver Broncos(via Chicago Bears): Rolando McClain ILB, Alabama
The Broncos have very few holes to fill. Look for them to take the best defensive player available. McClain is continuing to rise up draft boards and would be a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense. Also look for them to possibly add some youth to the secondary with CB Ras-I Dowling from Virginia even though they drafted Alphonso Smith last year.

16. San Diego Chargers: Brandon LaFell WR, LSU
Assuming they resign LT Marcus McNeill and in all probability franchise tag Shawn Merriman, they will most likely target someone to play opposite budding wideout Vincent Jackson. Another option may be to take Cal RB Jahvid Best or Clemson RB C.J. Spiller since they will most likely lose either Darren Sproles to free agency or cut LaDainian Tomlinson after the season. LaFell fits the mold of a taller wideout that the Chargers prefer.

17. Houston Texans: Ras-I Dowling CB, Virginia
The Texans need help in multiple areas but the biggest concern is in the secondary, especially if they let the unhappy Dunta Robinson leave via free agency in the offseason.

18. San Francisco 49ers: Travis Lewis OLB, Oklahoma
Having already taken care of the o-line earlier in the draft and the emergence of QB Alex Smith the 49ers will turn their attention to the defense. They need another pass rushing threat to go with stud linebacker Patrick Willis. But the 49ers' will go with the best defensive player available. Lewis is only a redshirt sophomore but like many underclassmen will probably declare early because of the implementation of a rookie wage scale in 2011.

19. Green Bay Packers: Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma
Green Bay will take the best tackle available after watching QB Aaron Rogers eat dirt every week. It’s obvious that Rogers is starting to show that the never-ending beatings he’s taken are taking a toll on him.

20. Arizona Cardinals: Navorro Bowman OLB, Penn State
Arizona needs LT help bad. They drafted Levi Brown a couple years ago to be a RT when they thought Matt Leinart, a lefty, would be the QB of the future. Well he hasn't been so far and Warner is suffering because of it. Unfortunately, there are no more tackles left with a first round grade. Look for the Cards’ to take the best defensive player available. If Charles Brown manages to slip a few spots back don't be surprised to see the Cards trade up to snag him.

21. Atlanta Falcons: Greg Hardy DE, Ole' Miss
The Falcons will take the best defensive player available. Hardy has some injury issues but is adept at playing both the run and the pass and will be an upgrade over the disappointing Jamaal Anderson. Look for the Falcons to also target a DB if Ras-I Dowling is available or another CB prospect emerges.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma
Todd Heap hasn't played a 16-game season in years, is getting up there in age, and Gresham is the type of speedy, pass catching TE that is perfect for the development of QB Joe Flacco. Even though he's out with a knee injury for the rest of the year, he will have plenty of time to rehab before the NFL combine. A lot of people will think that the Ravens will draft a CB, especially considering how badly they have been torched through the air, but the Ravens draft on value and if Gresham wouldn’t have hurt his knee this year he would’ve been a top 10-15 pick. Plus there won’t be any other first round CB’s left.

23. New York Giants: Carlos Dunlap DE, Florida
Anyone who’s read my mock draft before knows I’m not big on Dunlap and I have likened him to Vernon Gholston. But there’s no denying his physical gifts and playing in the Giants 4-3 defense would be the best way for him to learn and to take advantage of his attributes.  

24. Dallas Cowboys: Damian Williams WR, USC
Even with the sudden appearance of Mile Austin, look for the Cowboys to upgrade their receiving ranks. Williams can also sub for often injured Felix Jones on kick return duties. Other options may be to take the best defensive player available. I could also see them taking an OT to replace the aging Flozell Adams if Trent Williams or Charles Brown falls to them.

25. Philadelphia Eagles: Von Miller OLB/DE, Texas A&M
Without any tackle prospects left to replace the often injured Shawn Andrews, look for the Eagles to take the top linebacker prospect available. Miller is leading the nation with 13 sacks and even beat up on Russell Okung when they played against each other this year.  

26. Cincinnati Bengals: Jahvid Best RB, Cal
The Bengals don’t have many real needs at this point, so look for them to take Best, who would be a perfect compliment to the emerging Cedric Benson. Another option would be Clemson RB C.J. Spiller who is more explosive but not a complete back.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Allen S, South Florida
With DT Terrence Cody already off the board, look for the Steelers to find a safety who will eventually replace Ryan Clark. I’ve seen mock drafts where Cody is a top 10-15 pick and some where he doesn’t even go in the first round. Both Clark and Tyrone Carter have expiring contracts at the end of the season and they are also getting up there in age. The offensive line has been getting better every week and no longer seems like a dire position of need, although they may look for a guard like Alabama’s Mike Johnson or Idaho’s Mike Iupati.  As with every year, I personally keep my fingers crossed that they will get a DB who can return punts and kicks. Stephan Logan hasn’t been bad but it’s inefficient to take a roster spot with a return specialist. Previously I had S Morgan Burnett from Georgia Tech but he is more of a strong safety prospect. Allen is better suited for the free safety position and has better range and coverage abilities. They may also consider Texas safety Earl Thomas who is having a great year as well. The greatest positions of need for the Steelers are Guard where Darnell Stapleton and Trai Essex are both weak points and rookie Craig Urbik didn’t show much during the off season; Defensive tackle, where Casey Hampton is 32 years old and in the final year of his contract; Cornerback, where even though “Big Play” Willie Gay has shown some promise he is still getting tested all game, although we did invest two draft picks last year; and as previously mentioned, Safety. Another consideration to a lesser extent would be to find an eventual replacement for James Farrior. He’s playing at a high level this year but he’s 34 years old and since it takes a couple years for linebackers to learn our system anyway it would be nice to find his replacement now.

28. Seattle Seahawks(via Denver Broncos): C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson
Having taken care of their QB needs earlier in the draft, the Seahawks will turn to RB since there are no more tackles with a first round grade. With Jahvid Best already taken, Spiller is the next best choice. He’s not quite the complete prospect that Best is, but he's speedy, shifty, and always capable of breaking a long gain. He’s also a great return man.

29. New England Patriots: Sergio Kindle DL/OLB, Texas
The Patriots need more youth and depth in their linebacking corps.. They recently resigned the 40 year old Junior Seau. Kindle lines up all over the field for Texas and is the sort of versatile player Belichick loves.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Morgan DE, Georgia Tech
Without too many major holes on the team the Vikings have the luxury of bolstering the strength of their team, the defensive line. The one weak link is the end spot opposite Jared Allen. They may also consider future replacements for the Williams boys such as Rickey Sapp of Clemson, Jared Odrick from Penn State, or Arthur Jones of Syracuse.

31. Indianapolis Colts: Jerry Hughes DE/OLB, TCU
As always, the defense is the weak spot on this team. The Colts will take the best available defensive player.

32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon OLB, Missouri
The Saints will continue to add to an improving defense. Weatherspoon is probably the best OLB suited to play in a base 4-3 defense and would be a great addition to the Saints.

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Broncos.

I like the McClain pick, but don’t agree that they might look at DB instead. They may not be ideal, but they have first or second year guys backing up every position behind the veteran starters. I think DE would be ideal, but other than that there really isn’t much to look at…

"A player who conjugates a verb in the first person singular cannot be part of the squad, he has to conjugate the verb in the first person plural. We. We want to conquer. We are going to conquer. Using the word 'I' when you're in a group makes things complicated." ~ Wanderley Luxemburgo, 1999

by ejruiz on Nov 4, 2009 5:25 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Right Tackle at 12?

You’d think SF would trade down to get a RT but who knows.
I think FS would make the most sense in the 1st for the Steelers. Though I think a CB would be tempting here if one was a value pick.
There seems to be quite a few 320+ guys for NT that will be available. Don’t get me wrong Hampton is/was something special but I think that a lower round pick say 3rd could come in and eat up two blockers if A. Smith and B. Keisel and Z. Hood are on the sides of him pushing the pocket.
The one thing I know for sure is we’ll all be scratching our heads come draft day, and proclaiming bust the next.

by SNW on Nov 4, 2009 6:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I also take exception to the second sick before draft freaks.

sick draft freaks yes, but sick sick draft freaks, that’s going to far.

by SNW on Nov 4, 2009 6:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hadn't thought of Nate Allen...

But I rather like it. I’m also glad that there are others around who like the draft stuff, even during the regular season. Keep it up! What do you think of us taking Spiller? Just wondering.

Also, I had thought that Arrelious Benn might be a good pick, but no one seems to think he’s a first round guy. I wonder if he’s a player like Richard Quinn was last year. Denver traded up (with us) to get him, but we picked up D Johnson much later, who suffices. Maybe a Benn-type player is always going to be passed up by the FO to get a slightly poorer man’s version in later rounds. Who knows? Plus, I read in at least one place that Benn is something of an old school possession receiver. Would we ever throw a first round pick at a possession receiver?

Interested in your thoughts b_jay.

by Concomitandt on Nov 5, 2009 6:26 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Benn and Spiller

One of the reasons why people have been down on Benn this year is because he hasn’t really matched his game from last season. I know a lot of that has been because he’s had various injuries. I think he’ll be a fine pro, but I also don’t think he is a bigger talent than the receivers I already have going in the first round, such as Dez Bryant, Damian Williams, and Brandon LaFell. The reasons why the Steelers will not give him much thought is because we have so many other needs right now and least of which is receiver. With Hines, ‘Tonio, and the emerging Mike Wallace there really isn’t a place for him on the field for the foreseeable future. Plus I don’t think the franchise is quite as ready to give up on Sweed as many in the Steeler nation are.

Spiller would be a great pick as well, especially considering what an electric return man he is, but I just can’t see the Steelers using a first round pick on him. Now if by some miracle he happens to last into the second round then I could see us making a play to trade up and snag him. But we have too many greater needs to consider him in the first. Even if we lose Parker in the off season that still leaves us with Mendenhall, Moore, and a slew of project like Frank “The Tank” and Redman. I can see us looking for a RB in the later rounds though.

by big_jay71 on Nov 5, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Unless Hampton resigns or a free agent is brought in to play the nose, throw out all the other “needs”. Nose tackle will be far and away the biggest issue.

by pghnorthside on Nov 5, 2009 10:43 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Trade up!

And take the Cody kid from Alabama.

by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Nov 5, 2009 1:59 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

No way to Terrence Cody

Huge weight problem, and after Hampton Tomlin won’t want that. He likes athletic big men, not fatties.

At the end of the first, Odrick from Penn State or Jones from Syracuse i’ve heard mentioned.

by syrsteelerfan on Nov 5, 2009 2:31 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

About Cody

While it’s true that Cody has had weight problems, he’s done a great job of getting into shape since transferring to Alabama from the JUCO ranks. When he arrived at Bama before last season he was 400lbs. In just one off season he’s managed to trim his weight down to 354lbs. which is very impressive. The ideal weight for a NT in a 3-4 defense is probably around 330lbs. I’m sure that Tomlin could trim him the extra 24 pounds before the next season. And regardless of the weight issues Hampton has had each year, he’’s also the anchor of our defense and without him our linebackers wouldn’t be nearly as effective.

by big_jay71 on Nov 5, 2009 2:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

sure, but tomlin doesn't like guys with weight problems

two years running it’s been a point of contention between him and Hampton.

Not saying Cody won’t be a good player, just that I don’t see Tomlin drafting him.

And every draft season we see “Tomlin could…[whip someone into shape / reform a problem child / motivate a lazy player]”… they just don’t draft those guys. Tomlin doesn’t think it’s his job to do any of those things and he’s right.

by syrsteelerfan on Nov 5, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Bingo! Right you guys are....

The fact that Cody was up to 400 pounds is more important than the fact that he lost 65 of those pounds. His body hit the big 400 once, so it’s programmed to do it again, when he falls off the wagon. Tomlin won’t go there.

This could be the year the Steelers package up several draft picks to one of the seven (weak) sisters at the top of the draft list – to come up with somebody they really want. There’s more youth on the team this year, and some real promise on the practice squad. That gives you the option to trade up for a quality player you really want.

As far as the Redskins, the Bradford pick makes sense in a perverse sort of way. You pick a big name QB with a bum shoulder, and you have the worse offensive line in the league to protect him. You force your newly named head coach to start the kid, and three
games into the season, you have to open a new box of Quarterbacks. Vintage Snyder and Cerrato.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Nov 6, 2009 3:26 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I agree on Cody

Unless he really shows some character and keeps the weight off, I think we should stay away from him. Remember Andre Smith?

I don’t know about trading up. You have to consider signability and the risk of a work stoppage. I say continue to try and restock our team with many picks because you never know when you’ll get lucky and find another Aaron Smith or Hines Ward.

My question is if Taylor Mays were to somehow slip all the way to us, do we take him? He’s been playing more free safety this year. His hips aren’t as smooth as you would like, but he still has plenty of room for improvement.

by StoneColdSteel on Nov 6, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

They traded up to get Polamalu.....that seems to have worked out...

And with so many teams reaching for offensive lineman, it’s possible a blue chip player at another position may fall. The Steelers have enough depth that they might trade their one and two picks – or one and three – for a chance to draft a specific player. The bottom seven or eight teams need quantity along with quality.

The Steelers traded up (for Troy) and traded down (this past draft), depending on needs and what’s available. This year, their needs are for fewer players, but higher quality. So IF
they make a move in either direction, it seems more likely it’ll be trading to move up.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Nov 7, 2009 8:25 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes

I like the trade up idea too. We don’t have 7 to 9 (supplemental picks?) open roster spots to work with, and other teams can obviously rob our practice squad.

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert

by LongTimeSteelersFan on Nov 7, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

True but...

Don’t forget how many free agents we’re going to have at the end of the year. A lot of them will need to be replaced by draft picks.

2010 free agents:
 Daniel Sepulveda (RFA)
 Darnell Stapleton (RFA)
 Charlie Batch
 Willie Parker
 Matt Spaeth
 Willie Colon
 Jeff Reed
 Ryan Clark
 Tyrone Carter
 Deshea Townsend
 William Gay
 Casey Hampton
 Travis Kirschke

by big_jay71 on Nov 7, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

You have a good point there.

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert

by LongTimeSteelersFan on Nov 10, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

On Taylor Mays

I think he’s another risk/reward type of player. He definitely has some potential, but more as a Strong Safety rather than Free Safety. But if he slipped out of the first round I think Houston would grab him before we got the chance. There’s too much potential for him to slip into the later half of the first round.

by big_jay71 on Nov 6, 2009 3:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs


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