Will Florida quarterback Tim Tebow go in the first round? How many defensive tackles will be drafted in the top 15? Find out here in the NFP's Mock Draft 2.0. Wes Bunting
With the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine starting Thursday, the National Football Post unveils its second mock draft of the season.
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
The Rams need a franchise quarterback they can begin to build around, and Bradford looks to be the draft’s best option.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Expect Suh to wow everyone at this year’s combine as he further solidifies himself as the nation’s top prospect.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Bucs have needs across the board, so getting a talent like McCoy, who can instantly improve their defensive line, makes a lot of sense.
4. Washington Redskins: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Quarterbacks never last long on draft day, and Clausen has the pedigree to intrigue the Redskins’ new coaching staff.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
The Chiefs’ defense struggled as much as any unit in the NFL last season, so McClain gives them the type of player they can build around.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
With questions all over the offensive line and no quarterback worthy of the sixth overall pick, expect Seattle to opt for the draft’s most NFL-ready offensive tackle.
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Berry is one of the few “elite” prospects in this year’s draft and instantly improves the talent level in the Cleveland secondary.
8. Oakland Raiders: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Even with Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson manning the corners, we know Al Davis has a fetish for drafting talented defensive backs with rare physical attributes. Haden fits the bill.
9. Buffalo Bills: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Davis gives the Bills a powerful left tackle prospect who can win in both the run and pass game.
10. Denver Broncos: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
With a ton of questions surrounding the Denver wide receiving corps, Bryant is the kind of talent who can step in and compete as a starter from day one.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Despite investing two high picks on the defensive end position in 2008, the Jaguars simply aren’t getting the production needed in the sack department to pass on a guy like Morgan.
12. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
Graham has done nothing but impress every time he’s been given an opportunity, and I don’t expect anything less from him this week in Indy.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
Iupati gives the 49ers some versatility along the offensive line, with the type of talent to mature into one of the NFL’s top guards in the future.
14. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
The Seahawks have to find a way to improve their pass rush this offseason, and Pierre-Paul possesses the kind of upside to intrigue at No. 14.
15. New York Giants: Chad Jones, S, LSU
Chad Jones is someone I think can really make a big impression at this year’s combine. The Giants have plenty of question marks at safety; Jones has the ability to step in and fill the void early in his NFL career.
16. San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Wilson made a statement at this year’s Senior Bowl and now looks like one of the few prospects in the mix to be the second cornerback off the board.
17. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn is one of the best in the business, and if anyone can get Dunlap to live up to his potential and blossom into an impact defensive lineman, it’s him.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Bulaga gives the Steelers the type of athlete they need to anchor the left side of their offensive line, plus he doubles as an impressive run blocker.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Maurkice Pouncey, OL, Florida
Center Todd McClure has been one of the cogs up front for the Falcons over the past decade. Pouncey, however, possesses the versatility to play either guard or center and has the skill set to develop into one of the league’s best.
20. Houston Texans: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
It’s scary to think how dynamic this offense could be with more consistent play from the running back position. I’ll admit this is more of a luxury pick for the Texans, but boy, would it make them even tougher to slow down.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
We’ve seen in the past that the Bengals aren’t afraid to overlook weight issues for talent, and Cody gives them the imposing presence they need inside on first and second downs.
22. New England Patriots: Jahvid Best, RB, California
Best is the one guy everyone seems to be forgetting about. However, he has the ability to be dynamic in the Patriots’ pass-first offense and should work out well at the combine.
23. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown, OT, USC
Brown offers the Packers a major upgrade at the left tackle position and has the kind of footwork/athleticism needed to quickly mature into an NFL-capable pass blocker. Plus, he’s very natural on the move.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
With Brian Westbrook out in Philly and Leonard Weaver as the No. 2 back, don’t be surprised if the Eagles look long and hard at Dwyer at this point in the draft.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
The Ravens need to continue to add playmakers to their receiving corps, and although LaFell will put the ball on the ground, he has the ability to create on the outside at the next level.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Campbell possesses the quintessential skill set needed for the left tackle position in the NFL and has about as much upside as anyone in the draft.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Who knows how the Roy Williams situation turns out in Dallas? However, Benn would be an ideal complement underneath to Miles Austin in the Cowboys’ pass game.
28. San Diego Chargers: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Williams adds some much needed size and youth to the interior of the Chargers’ defense.
29. New York Jets: Jared Odrick, DL, Penn State
Finding a talented five-technique at the end of round one looks like a realistic possibility for the Jets on draft day.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
No matter how the Brett Favre saga plays out this offseason, the Vikings need to start thinking about their quarterback of the future. Tebow’s release has come a long way in only a couple weeks, and he’s simply a guy I wouldn’t bet against.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Not only does Price give the Colts a little more of a presence inside, he also has the ability to consistently fire off the ball and get up the field on passing downs.
32. New Orleans Saints: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida
Tight end isn’t a real need for the Saints, but Hernandez is the type of versatile weapon who could create mismatches for coach Sean Payton in the Saints’ offense.
Follow me on Twitter: WesBunting
For complete draft coverage, check out the NFP’s new Draft Central page.
What's the story?? That the Rams passed up Rodgers, Cutler, Ryan, & Sanchez?? Can they do it again??
your first mock was MUCH more realistic. this one has so many redundancies of positional selections by teams that it simply wouldn't ever happen.
Wes,
This is the first mock draft I've seen that a player that's not lineman going in the first four picks. Wh do you think the Rams will reach for Bradford with the first pick?
The popular thought is that a new CBA will be hammered out before the 2011 season and it's assumed there will be a rookie wage scale put in place. From what I've read, no team wants to be the team that signs the last bloated rookie QB contract. Wouldn't taking Bradford at one make the Rams the laughing stock of the draft? Not only would they have to pay top pick type money, but they would also have the most over-priced QB in the league. Now, it's one thing if there's a highly touted prospect available but I have not got the impression that Bradford is even considered the top QB in the draft by all teams. Is Bradford really worth the risk or do you think it's a case where the Rams are desperate?
I dont see any way a team like the Rams could afford to take a QB like Bradford, coming off major shoulder problems. In fact, it really would not surprise me to see NO QB taken in the first 15-20 picks this year. The draft is weak at QB and deep at other positions, and many of the teams at the top of the draft have young qb's in place.....I could see a lot of moving between picks 20-32 to get one of these guys as they fall, a lot of the teams in 20-32 are set at QB and might want to trade out of the first round to pick up extra picks in a deep draft pool .
No way anyone in their right mind takes Tebow in the first round......If he is going to play QB in the NFL, the only team that makes any sense at all is the Colts, and even then, for nothing more than a late 3rd round pick.
No way CJ Spiller lasts to 20......I could see a lot of teams working the phones to get him if he slides past Seattle at 14.
Would think the Saints would lean towards Greshman from OK over Hernandez if they were both still on the board.......
It's a good mock draft Wes.
I would argue the Steelers would pick Pouncey over Buluga because their immediate needs are at Center (Hartwig) and RG (???) and the owner has just come out and said he wants to see his rookies produce more.
I think the Steelers will stick with Max Starks (paying him $6.5 million/season) at LT for a while and we'll work something out with Colon so tackle, while a more valuable position, might not be the choice over interior lineman.
The Eagles take Dwyer at 24? Um, did you watch the last draft? Did you see them draft LeSean McCoy? I don't know if you keep up with your reading, but it is pretty obvious that he was drafted to be Westbrook's replacement. Andy Reid even said it. Weaver isn't the number 2 back. He is the full back. Besides, Dwyer has questions regarding his receiving skills which is a major part of the Eagles offense.
And Chad Jones is far from a 1st rounder and I like the kid. He has shown inconsistent coverage and questionable instincts. With a good combine he could go high in the second. But a top 15 pick? That's ludicrous.
Mush better, but do you actually think that Iupati, grades this high? Do not think he will go inside top 20 unless something big occurs between now and the draft.
i understand you being high on Tebow, but McCoy will definitely be drafted higher even with Tebow working on his mechanics. I actually think Pike has a very good hot at going before Tebow, as there is much talk of his stock rising.
If Tebow is available when the Skins pick, it's him, not Clauson they should draft! Unlike a "pocket passer", like Campbell, Tebow can scramble out of trouble instead of ducking for a sack!
Best has been one of my favorite college players, but I don't think he fits the Patriots. They seem to prefer the big backs and Belichick never drafted a small RB during his tenure in New England. Maybe Best will be the first one, but I would not put my money on it. :-)
Don't see Andy Reid taking a RB in the 1st, or 2nd for that matter.
Plain and simple, Andy is a creature of habit, and any RB added to the Eagles will be depth. He won't spend a 1st one year removed from using a 2nd on a RB that is similar to Westbrook.
I wish the Eagles would make an impact move out of the mold, preferably trading up for Berry (if possible), but more than likely Andy will take a DE in the 1st IMO.
Guard @ 13th overall, and it isn't even John Jerry?
There is NO way the Eagles go after Rb with all the needs in the secondary. Not going to happen. I am looking more at Myron Rolle if he has a great Combine...
Wes - you need to be drug tested. The Skins take a QB with the #4 pick when they have at least 3 OL needs?
For as much as I'm hoping for Tim Tebow to come to Minnesota, I doubt that he will, and I doubt that Brett Farve will be back for the 2010-2011 season... I would love for Farve too be back this year, I really would, and I doubt that Tebow will be around in the Draft before it becomes Minnesota's turn...
Thomas Dudinsky --- A Minnesota Viking Fan...
PTAS taking a running back, I don't see it. It's a need but not a 1st round need. I see a Passing rushing linebacker or Defensive End.
For the Pats...Sergio Kindle should be the first round pick. Waiting, and gambling he will be there later is a mistake. he is exactly what they need and will be an instant starter.
I'll be surprised if a QB is drafted in the top 5 or 6 spots. St. Louis' head coach is a defensive guy, and the draft features plenty of sure-bet defensive talent. Why reach for a QB? The Redskins desperately need OL help, particularly at LT. Will they really pass on Okung in favor of Clausen? I believe their preferred option would be to trade down, but so would everyone else in the top five.
Bottom line, the QB class is weak and doesn't justify two top four picks.
I think this mock is good in areas, and horrible in other areas. Iupati will never go at 13... I say he maybe starts getting warm at 33. There is just too much skill position and talented depth to draft a guard at 13... he is not 'that' special.
Tebow is a 2nd rounder at best, realistically a 3rd or 4th. Good thing he won't be invited to NY for the actual draft.... His fans would hate to see him sit for 3 days in the green room. IMO I thought he was great college player. I just don't see him being anything above average in the pro game, no matter how you look at it.
So many issues here......but I don't get overpaid to make worthless mock drafts Wes, you do. But then again, I'm not paid to make predictions at all. I guess, just like everyone. Suh, McCoy, Berry, Okong, Davis, Perrie-Paul, Hayden, Morgan, Clausen, and Bryant. There's my top 10 in order. Buffalo will be the first to pick a QB (I know that it will cost them but #9 QB is cheaper than #1) and Clausen fits their offense. Look for them to take Golden Tate in round 2 to keep Clausen and his #1 reciever together. They need WR help anyway.
"Quarterbacks never last long on draft day"
Sure, Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn can laugh at this now, but...
What's all the hurry/hubub about taking a QB with the #4 pick? The Redskins can go ahead and draft a badly needed OL stud with the pick. Besides, a QB of the future (Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow) will still be very much available in the 2nd round.
WR Benn for the Cowboys in the 1st rd makes little sense. There are 6 receives on the roster - Williams, Austin, Hurd, Crayton, Ogletree and Holley. Crayton is a solid 3 if not a 2, Hurd is a special temas phenom and Ogletree has quite a bit of potential that has yet to be explored/discovered. All these receives are already on contract, have 1 year of experience in the NFL and know (somewhat) the playbook.
Plus, there are far more pressing needs - namely in the secondary and O line. Eric Berry most lilkely won't be on the board at 27 but Earl Thomas just might be as well as Bruce Campblel and Miak Iatui. Taylor Mays might be also but isn't what the Cowboys need. A WR is a smart pick in the 3rd or 4th rd.
Bruce Campbell better be gone in the top 20 or someone will be trying like wild to move their early two up on him.
Bulaga's teammate at right tackle is there in like round 3 or 4 and is a huge runblocker. the Vikings did pretty good putting Loadholt over that way?
The Skins should find a way of targeting both thos picks and still getting a passer that Shanny wants. There's a lot of teams that could do well with a Jason Campbell as well and might move with the Skins.
Denver cut their experienced center, yeah it might be a one or two year deal, but Shanny needs people who know his system to establish that style in a new conference for him....
There you have it, three OL needs answered for the short term, two for the long term along with their passer, and someone entirely familiar with protections in that system to feed that young QB protection adjustments from a baby spoon.
Jared Odrick! If you don't go out of your way to get Rolando McClain!
Well, Aaron Rogers can laugh but I don't think Brady Quinn is laughing. Which brings me to Cleveland. Nothing starts with Holmgren without a QB. Where are they going to get one? Are they going to move up to take Claussen? is there anyone lower that interests Mike H? That lukewarm "endorsement" he gave Quinn has backup clipboard holder or trade bait written all over it. He and Anderson are done in the Pound. So, whither the QB?
It would be a mistake if the Rams pass on Suh, who is a lot closer to being a can't-miss prospect than Bradford. A quarterback would make more sense if the Rams trade down to say Tampa Bay's spot at No. 3.
I don't think the Pats would pass on Odrick and Williams at 22. They have three 2nd Rd picks with which to draft playmakers on offense. RB's tend to slide and with his injury history Best will slide to Rd 2. I think he'll be a hell of a player not he's not going till the 2nd Rd w/his lack of size and injury concerns. Dwyer will also probably slide to Rd 2.
Although I love Graham, there is no way he is going 12, especially to Miami -- not a Parcells type of player from a measurables prespective.
I don't think the Pats would pass on Odrick and Williams at 22. They have three 2nd Rd picks with which to draft playmakers on offense. RB's tend to slide and with his injury history Best will slide to Rd 2. I think he'll be a hell of a player not he's not going till the 2nd Rd w/his lack of size and injury concerns. Dwyer will also probably slide to Rd 2.
Although I love Graham, there is no way he is going 12, especially to Miami -- not a Parcells type of player from a measurables prespective.
I think Tebow would be great with the VIkes. He could learn so much from Favre if he comes back and Tebow and Harvin had record breaking seasons together at Florida. The Vikings offense would be unbelievable. The only problem is they need to improve on their secondary and offensive line so they will probably draft a CB or OT in the first round.
You know Lexi I would love it if the Vikes would throw away a pick on Tebow. Their window is closing fast.
You must be joking when you mention how much Tebow could learn from Favre, right? What would that be. How to miss all of training camp? Not a good idea for a rookie? When has Brett EVER spent time tutuoring a replacement? GB fans feel free to chime in.
Dez aint goin to Denver. In this situation,(McClain off the board) I think they go Dan Williams. And speaking of him, you have him lower than anyother analyst I have seen. I think he'll be a good fit in Denver at the 10/11 spot.
Eagles RB prospects must catch the ball well and pass protect, Dwyer has been asked to do neither in his college career. He'd have to look GREAT catching the ball at the combine to even be considered at that spot for Philly IMO
I think if the board broke that way at 24, Eagles would look to trade down and take one of the next class of DBs (Thomas, Allen, Burnett). Or just take Thomas, who I could see them valuing as either a CB or FS
Tebow would be a good pickup for the Vikings, but I think that St Louis would regret not taking Suh.
I hope you are right about Williams going to San Diego. They need a young true NT to switch off with an aging Jamal Williams. Hopefully taking over the position in the end. Than hopefully Ryan Matthews (Fresno) RB is still avialiable in the 2 round to fill in the empty backfield.
Best doesn't make any sense for them. They don't need someone who "could be dynamic." Laurence Maroney "could be dynamic." He was Belichick's experiment with a high pick of a smaller back (about 210).
I do think the Pats could stand to draft a big power back somewhere in the first few rounds, in the Patriots tradition of Jim Nance, Sam Cunningham, Mark van Eeghen, Craig James, Leonard Russell, Antowain Smith and Corey Dillon. Their present big backs, Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor, are well into their 30's and increasingly brittle. I'm not sure when Morris last played a full season, and Taylor last played a full season in 2007.
Toby Gerhart would be right in the Patriots tradition.
Tim Tebow in the 1st round - now I have lost respect for you
let's review some other running 1st rounders
Michael Vick, Jamarcus Russell these guys are too athletic and never learn how to play Quaterback
Bills.- pick tebow
bradford #1 to the rams?dont think so...chad jones is a second or third round talent,atlanta is going to pick defense first with the hope of slowing down the saints,there is no way spiller is going to fall that far,and the saints will go with a tight end but in a later round,watch for that kid from byu.i like the tebow pick but i actually have him going to indianapolis in the second round.but this is why mock drafts are so much fun..
I don't think the Pats will go for a RB at 22. They have 5 serviceable ones, and an extra Taylor who spent the season on IR. Even though none of them is an elite RB at this point, they fill the role for now. The Pats need to fill defensive roll player gaps, mainly OLB/DE. Once that is done, they need WRs, a couple at least. If they can get a team to trade a WR, they would still need to draft a decent WR before needing to go after the top tier RB. They can draft a top RB next season with one of their 2 first rounders. If the Pats have 3 legit WRs, you saw what they did in 2007. The Pats do have a tough season coming up, but they can get it done with WRs and a tougher more dangerous defense.
there is no qb inthis draft worth taking.We the redskins need OL very bad.Jason campbell did well with a poor line look at his numbers.i hope shanahan is as smart as they potray him to be.we do not need a qb.
Selecting Clausen is bad (especially if you want to compare him to Brian Griese as one of the other commenters mentioned). They need help desperately at the tackle position. Levi Jones is not the answer and Stephon Heyer is mediocre at best. A Russell Okung, Campbell from the Terps or the kid from Iowa would be a much better selection filling a MUCH bigger need for this team.
I can live with Jared Odrick at 29. The Jets need to put some major pressure on those QBs. I think we were near the bottom with Sacks. Still pulled off the number 1 D in the league! A shutdown corner and Rex Ryan will do that!
I don't think that the vikings have to try to draft tebow in the 1st round, If they really want to draft him they can draft a corner or DT in the first because i think tebow will be available in the second round
I don't think that the vikings have to try to draft tebow in the 1st round, If they really want to draft him they can draft a corner or DT in the first because i think tebow will be available in the second round
I for one don't think the Rams pass on Suh and go with a quarterback as that would only postpone strengthening the defense . I do think that the Rams should go get Michael Vick and that will get some mobility back at quarterback and then they can pick a quarterback in the later rounds to back Vick up.
bearmarket - Ask Aaron Roders what it means to be Favre's back-up. What was it, 3 years behinde Favre and Rodges is one of the best Qb's in the game now. Greenbay will enjoy QB success for another 10 years, and Rodgers will be a HOFer when he retires. And Rodgers didn't even come close to the collegate acheivments of Tebow. If Tebow can improve his QB techniques and prove though pro days and the combine (if he participates) that he can be productive, I think MInn has a winning match.
Wait.. I saw someone in the comments saying Tebow is a natural fit for the Colts' scheme. They aren't running the spread option and he's never run the no-huddle, so I'm a little confused. What am I missing?
I 'm hoping the Eagles go DE in rd one and Safety in rd2
Wes,
Sam Bradford is pure bitch. An even bigger loser and wimp than Jimmy Clausen.
No way the Jacksonsville Jaguars do not select Senator Tebow with their first-round pick. The Jags need to fill the seats on Sunday and Rev. Tebow will lure all of those Bible Thumpers to Jags' games.
Besides, Marco Rubio's already said that he plans to use FOX News Analyst Tebow as the Jacksonville face of his campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Bank on Colonel Tebow in Jacksonsville. It's the red-blooded American pick to make in Jag Land.
Velocity and throws to the left...
Who makes up this talented small-school...
A look at the most impressive...
From SEC stud to small-school...
Says N.Y. needs to keep line together
Feb 24, 2010
02:05 PM
Clausen indeed fits the mold of a Shanny quarterback, very comporable to Griese.