Nonentity
Third String But Playing on Special Teams
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Hi everyone. This is a 2 round mock draft, with trades included. I have written explanations for every pick and every trade. It’s quite lengthy, so I’ve split it over multiple posts. There is a simple version without the explanations included, which appears below the main mock draft (i.e. just picks and trades). Please please please leave comments – it’s really appreciated, no matter how much you want to say.
1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
The Rams are a bad team, but they're worse on offense than they are on defense. Their only offensive weapon last year was Steven Jackson, and that's why they're picking 1st overall in 2010 - because this is a passing league. Simply, the Rams need a franchise quarterback and this is their best ever opportunity to get one. Bradford is easily the best in the draft, combining accuracy with an ability to make all of the throws. Yes, he could bust, just like any other quarterback, but he looks the part - and that's all that we can say until he starts taking NFL snaps.
2. Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Even when they went 0-16, the Lions were worse on defense than offense. By selecting Matt Stafford 1st overall last year, they improved the offense but not the defense. Time to sort out the defense, because theirs truly was appalling. Suh has the ability to over-power double teams, is stout against the run and still gets to the quarterback. Gerald McCoy should be considered, but then passed over - because the Lions' scheme is more suited to a player like Suh. Jim Schwartz, a Belichick disciple, will appreciate Suh's experience in a read-react scheme.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
It was embarrassingly easy to run on the Bucs last year, and in any other year McCoy would be the top defensive tackle taken. Warren Sapp is still a legend in Tampa and they will hope that McCoy can follow in his mighty footsteps.
4. Washington Redskins - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
You can't truly evaluate a quarterback behind a turnstile offensive line, and that's what Jason Campbell had to deal with last year. You could replace him with Clausen, but then they still have the same offensive line problems that neutered their passing game in 2009. The Redskins have to improve the offensive line and selecting the best left tackle, Russell Okung, will do that. If he's as good as Shanahan's last 1st round pick, Ryan Clady, no-one will care how many jerseys he sells.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Bryan Buluga, OT, Iowa
I thought this pick would be Eric Berry for a long time, but Buluga has sky-rocketed up the draft boards. Mediocre in almost every position, the Chiefs need blue-chippers, fast. Buluga has produced consistent top-tier performances when it counts, including shutting down Derrick Morgan in the Orange Bowl. Mike Mayock pointed out recently that Scott Pioli, the GM for the Chiefs, is a good friend and admirer of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, and that he loves the type of technician that Kirk develops with offensive linemen. This settled it for me - it's not easy to find players who already know your tendencies, and that's a definite mark in the plus column for Buluga going to the Chiefs.
6. Seattle Seahawks - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
The Seahawks have two draft choices in the first 14 picks, which makes this an interesting decision for them. They clearly need a left tackle for the future to replace Walter Jones and protect Charlie Whitehurst, but they also need playmakers on both sides on the ball. With two tackles going in the previous two picks, and with the knowledge that teams behind them need tackles as well, they bite the bullet and select another. Trent Williams is extremely athletic and shifted from RT to LT in his senior year; he will fit their zone blocking scheme and can start from Day 1.
7. Cleveland Browns - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
The Browns will pass on Jimmy Clausen for a number of equally valid reasons: Mike Holmgren simply doesn't like him, and they brought in both Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme for the 2010 season. So, who do they take instead? With improvements available in just about every position, they take Eric Berry to start rebuilding the secondary. Joe Haden is a possibility, but Berry is a better player with fewer weaknesses in his all-round game.
8. Oakland Raiders - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
As with all Raiders picks, this will be a negotiation between Tom Cable and Al Davis - and Al will have the final say. It won’t be Clausen because Davis still hasn’t given up on JaMarcus Russell. Their need is glaring: the Raiders have a terrible offensive line. But with 3 tackles already off the board, do they take Anthony Davis? I would guess against it. His athletic measurables are terrible and few are convinced that he has the work ethic that many teams look for. If the choice is between Davis (the final top-tier tackle) and Bruce Campbell, a raw but athletically incredible prospect, I think Cable would rather train up Campbell than risk Davis. There's more chance of Davis rebelling against tough coaching than Campbell, which is a factor when considering Tom Cable's style. Oh, and the 40 time. Campbell it is.
9. Buffalo Bills – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
“It's hard to throw when you're lying on your back.” The Bills have three huge needs: QB, LT and NT. And Buddy Nix, the Bills’ new GM, would rather see what he can get from his three existing QBs (Edwards, Fitzpatrick, Brohm), having announced a week ago that there will be a 3-way competition for the starting job in training camp. Jimmy Clausen is a huge option to be taken here but I think they’ll pass and take a LT. Davis has issues but Chan Gailey will believe that he can whip him into shape.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
The Jaguars had a terrible pass rush last season, which was the direct result of busting on both Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves. So no, they don’t have the best track record in drafting DEs named Derrick. But what else can they do – it’s their biggest weakness and you can’t just ignore it because you failed to fix it first time round. Yes, they signed Kampman but he’s coming off an ACL injury and they still need a player for the other DE slot. Now, the Jags could trade down here since Morgan isn’t likely to be taken again until 16 – but he’s the premier 4-3 DE in this draft and they would be fools to lose him in an attempt to get value. Jason Pierre-Paul is an alternative choice, but Morgan can get on the field from Day 1, a must-have for the Jaguars.
11. Denver Broncos – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Jimmy Clausen continues to fall, as the Broncos take a replacement for Brandon Marshall. This pick just makes too much sense not to happen. That said, they will look to trade this pick away for a Clausen lover – but no-one who wants him will be able to afford the price right now. Instead, everyone will sit back and see how far he falls in what is basically a metaphorical game of chicken...who will bite first?
12. Miami Dolphins – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Bill Parcells loves athletic linebackers, and the Dolphins sorely need one. Joey Porter was cut, Jason Taylor wasn’t resigned – this is their biggest need and Pierre-Paul is the 2nd best DE in this draft. Dan Williams is also a possibility because of Jason Ferguson’s suspension, but it’s the first 8 games he’s missing, not the last 8. As the Patriots found with Vince Wilfork, rookie NTs generally aren’t ready to start until midway through the season, so Pierre-Paul it is.
13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden, CB, Florida
As firm believers in taking the best player available, Joe Haden will not fall past the 49ers. They badly need a RT, but will guess that the remaining tackle prospects will not come off the board before their second 1st round pick at 17. Nate Clements was benched mid-season, proving the clear need for a new face at corner.
14. Seattle Seahawks – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
This is such a beautiful fit it brings a smile to my face. The Seahawks need a competent running back to take some of the pressure off Matt Hasselback, and would love one that fits the West Coast Offense. And guess who is a multi-dimensional running/receiving option, and also rated as the top RB in the draft? That’s right – Spiller. Easy pick.
15. New York Giants – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
Hold on, what’s that you say? Weatherspoon being drafted with Rolando McClain still on the board? Perhaps I’m crazy, but consider the following: McClain is not a 4-3 linebacker, and Perry Fewell plans to run the Tampa 2. In comparison, Weatherspoon is perfect as a linebacker who can play coverage. He will lead the defense and become its heart and soul. They have a need at DT as well, and will hope to fill it with their second round pick.
1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
The Rams are a bad team, but they're worse on offense than they are on defense. Their only offensive weapon last year was Steven Jackson, and that's why they're picking 1st overall in 2010 - because this is a passing league. Simply, the Rams need a franchise quarterback and this is their best ever opportunity to get one. Bradford is easily the best in the draft, combining accuracy with an ability to make all of the throws. Yes, he could bust, just like any other quarterback, but he looks the part - and that's all that we can say until he starts taking NFL snaps.
2. Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Even when they went 0-16, the Lions were worse on defense than offense. By selecting Matt Stafford 1st overall last year, they improved the offense but not the defense. Time to sort out the defense, because theirs truly was appalling. Suh has the ability to over-power double teams, is stout against the run and still gets to the quarterback. Gerald McCoy should be considered, but then passed over - because the Lions' scheme is more suited to a player like Suh. Jim Schwartz, a Belichick disciple, will appreciate Suh's experience in a read-react scheme.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
It was embarrassingly easy to run on the Bucs last year, and in any other year McCoy would be the top defensive tackle taken. Warren Sapp is still a legend in Tampa and they will hope that McCoy can follow in his mighty footsteps.
4. Washington Redskins - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
You can't truly evaluate a quarterback behind a turnstile offensive line, and that's what Jason Campbell had to deal with last year. You could replace him with Clausen, but then they still have the same offensive line problems that neutered their passing game in 2009. The Redskins have to improve the offensive line and selecting the best left tackle, Russell Okung, will do that. If he's as good as Shanahan's last 1st round pick, Ryan Clady, no-one will care how many jerseys he sells.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Bryan Buluga, OT, Iowa
I thought this pick would be Eric Berry for a long time, but Buluga has sky-rocketed up the draft boards. Mediocre in almost every position, the Chiefs need blue-chippers, fast. Buluga has produced consistent top-tier performances when it counts, including shutting down Derrick Morgan in the Orange Bowl. Mike Mayock pointed out recently that Scott Pioli, the GM for the Chiefs, is a good friend and admirer of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, and that he loves the type of technician that Kirk develops with offensive linemen. This settled it for me - it's not easy to find players who already know your tendencies, and that's a definite mark in the plus column for Buluga going to the Chiefs.
6. Seattle Seahawks - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
The Seahawks have two draft choices in the first 14 picks, which makes this an interesting decision for them. They clearly need a left tackle for the future to replace Walter Jones and protect Charlie Whitehurst, but they also need playmakers on both sides on the ball. With two tackles going in the previous two picks, and with the knowledge that teams behind them need tackles as well, they bite the bullet and select another. Trent Williams is extremely athletic and shifted from RT to LT in his senior year; he will fit their zone blocking scheme and can start from Day 1.
7. Cleveland Browns - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
The Browns will pass on Jimmy Clausen for a number of equally valid reasons: Mike Holmgren simply doesn't like him, and they brought in both Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme for the 2010 season. So, who do they take instead? With improvements available in just about every position, they take Eric Berry to start rebuilding the secondary. Joe Haden is a possibility, but Berry is a better player with fewer weaknesses in his all-round game.
8. Oakland Raiders - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
As with all Raiders picks, this will be a negotiation between Tom Cable and Al Davis - and Al will have the final say. It won’t be Clausen because Davis still hasn’t given up on JaMarcus Russell. Their need is glaring: the Raiders have a terrible offensive line. But with 3 tackles already off the board, do they take Anthony Davis? I would guess against it. His athletic measurables are terrible and few are convinced that he has the work ethic that many teams look for. If the choice is between Davis (the final top-tier tackle) and Bruce Campbell, a raw but athletically incredible prospect, I think Cable would rather train up Campbell than risk Davis. There's more chance of Davis rebelling against tough coaching than Campbell, which is a factor when considering Tom Cable's style. Oh, and the 40 time. Campbell it is.
9. Buffalo Bills – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
“It's hard to throw when you're lying on your back.” The Bills have three huge needs: QB, LT and NT. And Buddy Nix, the Bills’ new GM, would rather see what he can get from his three existing QBs (Edwards, Fitzpatrick, Brohm), having announced a week ago that there will be a 3-way competition for the starting job in training camp. Jimmy Clausen is a huge option to be taken here but I think they’ll pass and take a LT. Davis has issues but Chan Gailey will believe that he can whip him into shape.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
The Jaguars had a terrible pass rush last season, which was the direct result of busting on both Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves. So no, they don’t have the best track record in drafting DEs named Derrick. But what else can they do – it’s their biggest weakness and you can’t just ignore it because you failed to fix it first time round. Yes, they signed Kampman but he’s coming off an ACL injury and they still need a player for the other DE slot. Now, the Jags could trade down here since Morgan isn’t likely to be taken again until 16 – but he’s the premier 4-3 DE in this draft and they would be fools to lose him in an attempt to get value. Jason Pierre-Paul is an alternative choice, but Morgan can get on the field from Day 1, a must-have for the Jaguars.
11. Denver Broncos – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Jimmy Clausen continues to fall, as the Broncos take a replacement for Brandon Marshall. This pick just makes too much sense not to happen. That said, they will look to trade this pick away for a Clausen lover – but no-one who wants him will be able to afford the price right now. Instead, everyone will sit back and see how far he falls in what is basically a metaphorical game of chicken...who will bite first?
12. Miami Dolphins – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Bill Parcells loves athletic linebackers, and the Dolphins sorely need one. Joey Porter was cut, Jason Taylor wasn’t resigned – this is their biggest need and Pierre-Paul is the 2nd best DE in this draft. Dan Williams is also a possibility because of Jason Ferguson’s suspension, but it’s the first 8 games he’s missing, not the last 8. As the Patriots found with Vince Wilfork, rookie NTs generally aren’t ready to start until midway through the season, so Pierre-Paul it is.
13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden, CB, Florida
As firm believers in taking the best player available, Joe Haden will not fall past the 49ers. They badly need a RT, but will guess that the remaining tackle prospects will not come off the board before their second 1st round pick at 17. Nate Clements was benched mid-season, proving the clear need for a new face at corner.
14. Seattle Seahawks – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
This is such a beautiful fit it brings a smile to my face. The Seahawks need a competent running back to take some of the pressure off Matt Hasselback, and would love one that fits the West Coast Offense. And guess who is a multi-dimensional running/receiving option, and also rated as the top RB in the draft? That’s right – Spiller. Easy pick.
15. New York Giants – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
Hold on, what’s that you say? Weatherspoon being drafted with Rolando McClain still on the board? Perhaps I’m crazy, but consider the following: McClain is not a 4-3 linebacker, and Perry Fewell plans to run the Tampa 2. In comparison, Weatherspoon is perfect as a linebacker who can play coverage. He will lead the defense and become its heart and soul. They have a need at DT as well, and will hope to fill it with their second round pick.