I like this edition much more than the first, it is still early and many things will change when April comes along! This is just how I see it for now, with some juniors coming out, and an order that was rooted in the last week of Octobers standings and some personal thoughts on how the playoffs could pan out... All feedback is appreciated and I will respond when I can. Enjoy...
2010 M.D.
Round 1
1.) St. Louis - Jake Locker (QB – U. Washington) O-Line last year, strong-armed, durable quarterback this year. Looker is flying up everyone’s draft boards, should he come out he will be a top ten pick at this rate, if not number one. I have him number one. This teams has numerous holes, and I would not be surprised if the coach talked upper management into one of the stud DT’s or Dunlap at DE.
2.) Tampa Bay – Ndamukong Suh (DT – U. Nebraska) Suh adds a consistent playmaker to the defensive line, and is here over Gerald McCoy by a hair because I see no injury concern with Suh. Ndamukong also gives exceptional leadership abilities to a young defense, and team in general. He is the definition of game changer.
3.) Tennessee – Gerald McCoy (DT – Oklahoma) Can the Titans afford to pay two quarterbacks #3 money (Vince Young still has a 5 year/58 million, 25.7 million gauranted contract starting in 2006), and release Kerry Collins who signed a two year deal last year?? This on top of ignoring other needs with a top pick… The answer is no, and they take McCoy who will instantly impact there interior defense. I’ll repeat it again: “You can not lose the defensive player of the year and expect things to be all good.”
4.) Kansas City – Russell Okung (LT – Ok. St.) This is a tough choice for the Scott Pioli and company, Berry or Okung? Both fit a need, and Okung is the choice, Kansas City has one of the five worst offensive lines in football, Okung is the most sure thing offensive lineman in the draft, and starts for the next decade in Kansas City. Albert moves over to right tackle where he truly belongs.
5.) Cleveland – Eric Berry (S – U. Tennessee) On a team full of holes you look for a playmaker, even if you have to hold your breath through two picks just to take a safety one with this much talent is worth it. Ed Reed clone… Only time will tell, those are big shoes to fill. After a 2 for 17 performance by Derek Anderson against Buffalo, (whose wide outs haven’t helped him one bit with numerous drops and Brady Quinn putting his house on the market) Sam Bradford or another QB might be the answer.
6.) Detroit – Carlos Dunlap (DE – U. Florida) An amazing athlete for his size, and capable of dominating games. Dunlap was the Defensive MVP of the 2009 BCS title game, where he dominated an outstanding Oklahoma offensive line. Dunlap’s potential is unlimited. Unfortunately the Lions miss out on Suh, McCoy and Berry, all three of whom are sure-fire difference makers on the defensive side of the ball. Dunlap has the skill set, but the consistency is lacking at times.
7.) Washington – Trent Williams (T – U. Oklahoma) Chris Samuels is getting older by the day, and injured frequently, this offensive line is OLD, If Skins fans watch a Buffalo Bills game, and watch Trent Edwards scramble for his life, and then you may realize just as Buffalo is your offensive line is the problem. No time like the present to address the problem. Sam Bradford is a real possibility should the Skins look for a replacement at quarterback. I would not be surprised if Trent’s stock falls come April, and another tackle moves up into this spot.
8.) Oakland – Sam Bradford (QB – Oklahoma) In a move that shocks everyone in the NFL universe the Raiders have three cards in hand, one has Bradford’s name on it, another Jimmy Clausen, and the third has Taylor Mays… “Someone accidently miss places the Mays card”, and on the spot Davis goes for former sooner with pin-point accuracy on draft day… Before the second round starts the following day, Russell is cut and never see’s an NFL field again…
9.) Seattle – Jimmy Clausen (QB – Notre Dame) Clausen declares due to the upcoming labor issues, flies up draft boards and lands in Seattle. Is he the most NFL ready quarterback?? Having watched him this season, I am not sure if he is consistent enough, he does have good measurable’s though and he knows how to come from behind, my question though is why if he is so great, is he always having to come from behind?? Is it just me or did he look unnecessarily panicked at the end of the U.S.C. game??
10.) Miami – Sergio Kindle (OLB – U. Texas) Pass rusher to eventually replace Joey Porter, and for next year to form a dynamic pass rush with Mr. Porter. Miami could go with a receiver like Dez Bryant or Arrelious Benn, but Bill likes pass rushers, and a Kindle/Wake combination will replace Porter/Taylor, becoming a force to recon with for the next decade. A guy like Dez Bryant on offense should be strongly considered, or Mount Cody to be the future anchor of this team.
11.) San Francisco (via Carolina) – Taylor Mays (S – U.S.C.) Freakish size and athleticism automatically improve the 49ers secondary. Michael Lewis and Dashon Goldson make this an easy pick, an elite safety could help this become and elite defense.
12.) Buffalo – Rolando McClain (LB – Alabama) The best pure linebacker to come out in years, athletic, smart, and always around the ball. At 6’4” and 256 pounds he has the size to go with the speed, and will thrive in any scheme he plays in. The Bills would love to take an offensive tackle or a quarterback, but the value for now is not there at this spot, and Dez Bryant is difficult to pass up and could easily be taken as well with T.O. not being offered a contract in 2010.
13.) Jacksonville – Greg Hardy (DE – Ole. Miss.) Jacksonville as I have found out really likes Sims-Walker, Dillard, Thomas and Holt, so despite Dez Bryant’s immense talent he is passed up. The defense is in need of a playmaking end and strong safety, so they take a top ten talent in Hardy, who hopefully makes it through the season and eliminates some of the injury concerns about him.
14.) San Diego – Dez Bryant (WR – Ok. St.) In a top five talent steal, the Chargers get a replacement for the inconsistent Chris Chambers, who along with Jackson and Floyd are eligible for free agency this year. Bryant’s talent is too much for the Chargers to pass up, despite needs elsewhere, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Bryant and Jackson will give the Chargers a Fitzgerald – Boldin type wide receiver combination that will force defenses to back off the run. Arthur Jones might be able to tempt the Chargers into passing on Bryant, but not right now.
15.) San Francisco – Terrance Cody (DT – Alabama) A upgrade over Aubrayo Franklin, and clog in the middle to help Patrick Willis (like he needs help) make even more plays, and in addition to Mays and Willis gives the 49ers a difference maker/beast at all three levels of the defense. Look for the 49ers to go offensive line in the second round.
16.) Denver (via Chicago) – Brandon Spikes (MLB – U. Florida) Replacing Andra Davis on the depth chart and eventually replacing Brian Dawkins as the defensive leader and heart and soul of the Broncos defense. Spikes does everything well, is underrated in terms of his speed and ability to go sideline to sideline, and blitz. He is the real deal.
17.) Baltimore - Arrelious Benn (WR – U. Illinois) Benn falls and Baltimore is put on the spot, Jermaine Gresham, Patrick Robinson, Sean Witherspoon and Joe Haden are all still on the board. They continue to build on offense, even with a defense that has been the team’s identity for years declining slightly. Benn is just too good to pass up at this point, and Derrick Mason can’t play forever, can he?? Haden becomes a very real possibility, should Baltimore decide to concentrate on defense (he is clearly a Baltimore type of defender), but the team tries to build around Flacco and towards the offense’s future.
18.) Houston – Joe Haden (CB – Florida) Stability at corner arrives, and physical presence is added to the defense. Dunta Robinson’s replacement has been found.
19.) N.Y. Jets – Arthur Jones (DT – Syracuse) “A disruptive force with first rate intangibles” is a spot on assessment of Arthur Jones. Jones gives the Jets defensive line some much added youth, and immense talent.
20.) Arizona – Jerry Hughes (DE – TCU) An upgrade over every pass rusher on the roster. Sean Witherspoon will also be an interesting thought here, I believe he is athletic enough to play OLB in the 3-4, but the Cardinals go with the sack specialist, and defensive playmaker with tremendous athletic ability and great football sense.
21.) Green Bay – Bryan Bulaga (T – U. Iowa) Bulaga replaces Clifton who’s age has finally caught up with him, and can not be counted on to make it a full season as Rodgers blindside protector. Bulaga could fall to the Packers, or further by the time the draft comes, and he could possibly stay at Iowa. For now he goes to the Packers who could just as easily take Best or Spiller as a explosive playmaker at running back.
22.) Atlanta – Sean Weatherspoon (LB – Mizzu.) Witherspoon the three down backer the Falcons sorely lack. Even with needs on the defensive line (Everson and Graham are possible), Witherspoon falls right in the Falcons laps and is far too good to pass up.
23.) Philadelphia – Jermaine Gresham (TE – Oklahoma) Hold on Eagle’s fans! Don’t bash me yet, I know you have needs else where, and Gresham was hurt all year. However before that injury he was a top eleven pick, the best tight end prospect since T-Gonz, and the main target in the most prolific offensive attack in college football. Picture Jackson and Maclin backing off coverage, Westbrook and Gresham isolated on linebackers… Yeah, that’s a New Orleans style offense right there… Scary for anyone playing the McNabb and the Eagles, straight up it’s a nightmare, and Kevin Curtis or whoever is always open…
24.) Dallas – Anthony Davis (T – Rutgers) Is he sexy enough for Jerry Jones?? I don’t know, but he could be gone as early as Buffalo at number 12 or Washington at 7. At 6’6” 325 pounds Davis is a man-beast, athletic, tough, and aggressive. He would be a top ten talent falling to the Boys at 24.
25.) Pittsburgh – Jahvid Best (RB – U. California) Gives Pittsburgh a 3rd down, and compliment back to Mendenhall. It’s becoming obvious that the Steelers can no longer count on “Fast Willie” any longer, and Best is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
26.) Cincinnati – Rashad Jones (S – Georgia) Tight End is a real need on this team, but so is safety, a position which if upgraded turns this up and coming defense into one of the best in the league.
27.) New England – C.J. Spiller (RB – Clemson) A special weapon for the offense, Spiller might not be an every down, between the tackles back, but he can be explosive, and is great in the return game. Will take the 3rd down back role and be a terror to opposing backers, and defenses.
28.) N.Y. Giants – Syd’Quan Thompson (CB – California) An underrated ball hawk, with the ability to make an immediate impact in the Giants secondary. Thompson would have the ability to erase slot receivers playing in the nickel or dime for the G-Men. With Rashad Jones gone at this point no safety has a high enough grade to be picked, I actually think the Giants will trade up and try to land one of the top three safeties…
29.) Seattle (Via Denver) – Selvish Capers (T – W.V.U) Pick 1, QB of the future, Pick 2, LT of the future. Not a bad draft and it’s only the first round…
30.) Minnesota – Jevan Snead (QB – Ole. Miss) Jevan could fall due to a lack of protection (miss Michael Oher much?) from his offensive line, however the line in Minnesota is much better, and Adrian Peterson keeps defenses honest. Snead could land in the perfect situation in Minnesota. Of coarse Brett Farve could also play for another decade…
31.) Indianapolis – Patrick Robinson (CB – Florida State) Upcoming free agency could deplete the Colts secondary, and Robinson falls right into the Colts lap, a talent Bill Polian can not pass up.
32.) New Orleans – Marvin Austin (DT – U.N.C) Gives the Saints a talented duo in the middle of their defensive line. Austin will increase the intangible level of the defensive line, and make those around him better.
Round 2
33.) St. Louis – Brandon Graham (DE – Michigan) Spag’s gets his D-line rotation depth.
34.) Tampa Bay – Everson Griffen (DE –U.S.C.) Gaines out Everson in…
35.) New England (via Tennessee) – Corey Wooten (DE – Northeastern) Sweet youth…
36.) Kansas City – Brandon Lafell (WR – L.S.U.) Lafell and Bowe together again, Cassell is in heaven.
37.) Cleveland – George Selvie (DE/OLB – U.S.F.) Mangini gets his pass rusher.
38.) Detroit – Trevard Lindely (CB – Kentucky) Defense is getting better by the pick…
39.) Washington – Jonathan Dwyer (RB – G.T.) Portis is no longer the back he once was.
40.) Oakland – Charles Brown (T – U.S.C.) Runs a 4.8 at the combine and Al Davis falls in love all over again…
41.) Seattle - Vince Oghobaase (DT –Duke) Upgrade at defensive tackle.
42.) Miami – Damian Williams (WR – U.S.C.) The Phins take a stab at a #1 WR.
43.) Carolina – Tony Pike (QB – Cinci) The future finally arrives.
44.) Buffalo – Colt McCoy (QB – Texas) Uhh… Tim Tebow maybe?? Sam Young?
45.) New England (via Jacksonville) – Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB – Clemson) Pass Rush…
46.) San Diego – Brandon Lang (DE/OLB – Troy St.) Fresh legs for the pass rush.
47.) San Francisco – Ciron Black (T – L.S.U.) Could play either tackle spot day one.
48.) Tampa Bay (via Chicago) – Mike Williams (WR – Syracuse) A weapon for??
49.) Baltimore – Perrish Cox (CB – Oklahoma) Fills a need…
50.) Houston – Javier Arenas (CB – Alabama) Yes, two new corners in one draft. Two physical corners, which becomes the most physical duo at corner in the NFL.
51.) N.Y. Jets – Eric Norwood (DE/LB – S. Carolina) Pace, has not done the job, and that guy from Ohio State… Anyway neither are the answer…
52.) Arizona – Kristopher O’Dowd (C – U.S.C.) Powerful replacement for Sendlein.
53.) Green Bay – Myron Lewis (CB - Vandy) Future starter with time to develop.
54.) Kansas City (via Atlanta) Mike Iupati (G – Idaho) The best way to upgrade the o-line is draft it early and often.
55.) Philadelphia – Derrick Morgan (DE – G.T.) Pass rusher opposite Cole.
56.) Dallas – Darrell Stuckey (S – U. Kansas) Upgrade in the secondary.
57.) Pittsburgh – Sam Young (T – Notre Dame) A hole opener and pass blocker in one human being…
58.) Cincinnati – Jordan Shipley (WR – U. Texas) A slot receiver similar to Wes Welker.
59.) New England –Ras-I Dowling (CB – U. Virginia) Eventually Springs retires.
60.) N.Y. Giants – Nate Allen (S – U.S.F.) Depth and talent added to the secondary.
61.) Denver – Mike Johnson (G – Alabama) A upgrade over Kuper.
62.) Minnesota –Brandon Ghee (CB – W.F.) Secondary depth.
63.) Indianapolis – Darryl Washington (LB – T.C.U.) Playmaker at OLB for the Colts.
64.) New Orleans – Greg Romeus (DE – U. Pittsburgh) Saints D-line gets a genuine pass rusher.
Round 3
65.) St. Louis – Mardy Gilyard (WR – Cinci.) Dynamic weapon for Looker.
66.) Tampa Bay – Jason Fox (T – Miami) How much faith do you have in Donald Penn??
67.) Tennesse – Allen Baily (DE – Miami) More youth for the aging D-line.
68.) Kansas City – Rob Gronkowski (TE – Ariz. State) The offense keeps looking better and better.
69.) Cleveland – Tim Tebow (QB – Florida) A leader for a leaderless team.
70.) Detroit – Jared Odrick (DT – Penn. St.) Third round steal…
71.) Washington – Supplimental Draft.
72.) Oakland – Eric Decker (WR – Minn.) Reliable hands, big target for Bradford.
73.) Seattle – Noelle Divine (RB – W.V.U) Explosive weapon, 3rd down weapon.
74.) Miami – Chad Jones (S – L.S.U.) An upgrade over Bell, and another playmaker in the secondary.
75.) Carolina – Brain Price (DT – U.C.L.A.) Talent that fills a hole on defense.
76.) Buffalo – Bruce Campbell (OT – Maryland) Campbell will push Bell for the starting spot.
77.) Jacksonville – Kyle Wilson (CB – Boise St.) Nickel corner and depth…
78.) San Diego – Adam Ulatoski (T – Texas) Shiny new right tackle…
79.) San Francisco – Jerome Murphy (CB – U.S.F.) Nickel corner, could challenge Spencer in the near future for the #2 spot.
80.) Chicago – Jon Asamoah (G – Illinois) Will help bring some push into the run game.
81.) Baltimore – Navorro Bowman (LB – Penn. St.) Tough with a non-stop motor. Raven type of player.
82.) Houston – Jason Pierre-Paul (DE – U.S.F.) Pass-rush specialist opposite Mario Williams.
83.) Cleveland (via N.Y.J.) – Charles Scott (RB –L.S.U.) Lewis retires, Scott fills in.
84.) Arizona – Akwasi Owusa-Ansah (CB – Indiana PA) Nickel corner, future #2.
85.) Green Bay – James Starks – (RB –U. Buffalo) A Knowshon Moreno clone, injury limited him this year, has first to second round ability.
86.) Atlanta – Golden Tate (WR – Notre Dame) Best hands in the draft, great route runner, gives Ryan another weapon on offense.
87.) Philadelphia – Toby Gerhart (RB – Stanford) Short yardage/goal line back.
88.) Dallas – Jacoby Ford (WR – Clemson) Depth at wide receiver.
89.) Pittsburgh – Earl Thomas (S – Texas) Insurance…
90.) Cincinnati – Matt Tennant (C – B.C.) Building the o-line never hurts, and Tennant helps solidify the interior.
91.) New England – Anthony McCoy (TE – U.S.C.) A steal at the end of round 3.
92.) N.Y. Giants – Willie Young (DE – N.C. St.) Youth into the d-line rotation.
93.) Denver – Dan Williams (DT – Tennessee) Future clog of the defensive interior.
94.) Minnesota – Jermaine Cunningham (DE – Florida) Pass rusher opposite Allen, Ray Edwards is “lost” to free agency.
95.) Indianapolis –Major Wright (S-Florida) Insurance in case Bethea leaves in free agency.
96.) New Orleans – Sean Lee (LB –P.S.U.) Plays OLB, falls due to injury concerns.