2010 NFL Mock Draft 3.0, Rds 1-3

With all the big name free agents having signed their contracts, the landscape of the draft board has changed. Some teams locked down their potential free agents with tenders while a few put lesser tenders on with the hopes that a team will sign their restricted free agent and give up compensation. But mostly, the players that have changed hands were unrestricted free agents looking for a big payday and/or a team they think they can win with. 

The other big event that has further shaped the draft was the scouting combine. It shot some players up draft boards, dropped others with disappointing measurables, while simply solidifying the status of others.

With free agency changing the needs of the teams and the combine changing the way each team rates each prospect, we have possibly the biggest shuffling of the draft board. That shuffling ushers in my mock draft, version 3.0 covering the first three rounds. Enjoy.

1. St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford*, QB, Oklahoma

The Rams need just about everything. However, they have passed up drafting a quarterback the last three seasons that saw them with a high pick and in need at the position. What could they have been waiting for? Sam Bradford, that what. If he had come out last year, the Rams would probably have taken him. But with Bradford heading up a potentially star studded class that looked to include Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy and Jake Locker, the Rams waited. Now the time has come, the Rams have the top pick again and Bradford can finally join the team.

2. Detroit Lions

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Not surprisingly, the Lions also have an extremely long wish list. But none more glaring than defensive tackle. So how fortunate for them that the best overall football player is on the board and he happens to play defensive tackle. This could prove to be one of the best draft picks the Lions have ever chosen.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gerald McCoy*, DT, Oklahoma

Odd to think of the Buccaneers being one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL. Changing to a new system and completely overhauling a defensive unit will do that to a team. The Bucs have needs at just about every defensive position and McCoy is the best player on the board at this point. There is not a lot of drop-off between Suh and McCoy so this pick is a no-brainer.

4. Washington Redskins

Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Chris Samuels, the Redskins long-time, Pro Bowl left tackle called it a career this off-season. The Redskins number one priority is to fill his shoes. They do it here with the best offensive tackle prospect in the draft.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Eric Berry*, S, Tennessee

Offensive tackle is a need for the Chiefs but with Okung out of the picture, they go for the best available player. And since safety is also a position in need of an upgrade, getting Berry here is a great fit.

6. Seattle Seahawks

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Davis has the most potential of any offensive tackle in the draft. He is still a bit raw but he has a lot of upside. The Seahawks’ six time All-Pro left tackle, Walter Jones, is reaching the end of his career. Even with talk that he would like to come back for one more year, injury concerns make that unlikely. The Hawks look to not miss a beat by drafting his replacement in the form of Anthony Davis.

7. Cleveland Browns

Joe Haden*, CB, Florida

Browns have a weak secondary and they can nab the best corner in the draft at this spot. They don’t pass that up.

8. Oakland Raiders

Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

Run support has been the bane of the Raiders existence for quite a while. And while some blame falls on the defensive tackles, equal blame goes to the linebackers. The Raiders sent a very clear message that they want to move on from Kirk Morrison when they put a third round tender on him. That is inviting any team would like to acquire Morrison’s services to come and get him. McClain has long been known as a firey leader in the middle at Alabama. He can also play strong side if need be until he is ready to step into the middle linebacker role. Not to mention he was a huge factor for the National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. That always sits well with Al Davis.

ALSO SEE:

Oakland Raiders 2010 Defensive Needs

Oakland Raiders 2010 Offensive Needs

9. Buffalo Bills

Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa

The Bills lost their starting left tackle last offseason and their plan to move Langston Walker over from the right tackle spot failed miserably. The signing of Cornell Green is simply and insurance policy (and not a good one at that). They are desperate for a stalwart at the position and Brian Bulaga is the best at the position still on the board.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars

Derrick Morgan*, DE, Georgia Tech

The Jags are not striking fear in many quarterbacks these days. Mainly because there isn’t any threat of the rush from the end position. The take the first defensive end off the board to try and remedy that.

11. Denver Broncos(from Chicago)

Brandon Graham, OLB/DE, Michigan

Brandon Graham finished up a fantastic week of Senior Bowl practices with an equally impressive Senior Bowl game. Then he further solidfied his status with an outstanding combine and equally outstanding individual workouts. While the Broncos have put a first round tender to invite teams to trade for their problem-child receiver, Brandon Marshall, teams have sniffed around while none have taken the bate. If they get a deal made, expect the compensatory pick to be used on a receiver. As things stand now, they use their pick to bookend Elvis Dumervil and give them a fearsome pass rush from the outside linebacker spot.

12. Miami Dolphins

Dez Bryant*, WR, Oklahoma State

When Ted Ginn Jr is your number one receiver, you have problems. He is a fine return man but he is not the deep threat this team needs and he drops the ball far too often. They have a slew of possession and slot receivers in Greg Camarillo, Devon Bess and Brian Hartline. Now they need that guy to stretch the field and they find it in the best receiver in this draft. Expect them to go through the roof when Bryant falls to them. But there are quite a few great choices. The Dolphins will be in a situation of picking from a great group, any of whom would be a great addition to this team.

13. San Francisco 49ers

Earl Thomas*, S, Texas

The 49ers weakest position on defense is the safety position. Neither Dashon Goldson or Michael Lewis have been able play well consistently. Earl Thomas was thought by many to be the best safety in college football last season. His ball hawking and hitting skills were a major factor in Texas making it to the National Championship game.

14. Seattle Seahawks(from Denver)

CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

The Seahawks spent the greater part of last season trying to find a temporary fix at the running back spot to go along with Julius Jones. Nothing seemed to work. CJ Spiller is an amazing talent and he is too intriguing to pass up. The Seahawks will be ecstatic that he is still on the board.

15. New York Giants

Brian Price, DT, UCLA

On a team whose life force is in their linebacker play,it is no wonder they slipped a little last season. After losing some key players after their Super Bowl run, they have never made up for those losses. On top of that Antonio Pierce may be reaching the end of his career. This unit needs some youth injected into it stat.

16. Tennessee Titans

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Kyle Vanden Bosch took his services to the Detroit Lions which left the Titans, an already weak pass rushing team, in dire straights at the position. Just Two seasons ago, the combination of Vanden Bosch and Travis Laboy and Albert Haynsworth was a potent one. But all of them have now moved on to other teams and the Titans are suddenly exposed. Jason Pierre-Paul is arguably the best defensive end on the board.

17. San Francisco 49ers(from Carolina)

Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

With the left tackle position held down by Joe Staley, this pick is to fill the right tackle position. Trent Williams locked down the right tackle position for the Sooners since half way through his freshman season. So, yeah, he would be the perfect choice.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

The Steelers decided to retain Max Starks and Willie Colon at the tackle spots. But they are still lacking in strength at guard. Iupati is the best guard in this draft and if they want him, this is a good spot to get him.

19. Atlanta Falcons

Everson Griffen, DE, USC

Since the end of the last season, Griffen has been up and down draft boards. But after an eye popping combine workout that saw him in the top five 40 yard dash times among defensive ends, he has solidified his first round status. The Falcons weak area last year was their lack of a pass rush. It hampered the efforts of the rest of the team all season. Griffen could come in immediately and bring much needed pressure on the edge.

20. Houston Texans

Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

Odrick has seen his stock rise steadily since the end of season. His performance in the Senior Bowl and combine workouts only stood to further prove that his dominance in college was no fluke. The Texans are lacking an anchor in the middle and Odrick can fill that role perfectly. This could finally allow the Texan defense to catch up with their offense.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Golden Tate*, WR, Notre Dame

The Bengals have been one of the most active suitors for the services of free agent receivers. They have yet to get one. They are currently looking at Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens. Either of whom are not the long-term answer. Laveraneus Coles didn’t work out as a replacement for TJ Houshmandzadeh. Golden Tate is just the type of receiver that they are need. Plus he proved his doubters wrong when he was among the top five fastest receivers in the 40 yard dash at the combine.

22. New England Patriots

Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas

The big free agent signing of Adalius Thomas has not quite worked out the way they had hoped. This team only has one solid linebacker in Jerrod Mayo. They consider themselves lucky that the best “tweener” in this draft is still on the board when it is their turn.

23. Green Bay Packers

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

The Packers re-signed Chad Clifton this offseason but the three year contract he signed is set up as a one year deal and protects the Packers against injuries. So it is obvious they don’t see Clifton as the solution after this season. Campbell is a first round prospect whose status was strengthened after a freakish combine workout. He had the best 40 yard dash time of any offensive lineman and was in the top five in the bench press.

24. Philadelphia Eagles

Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

The Eagles finished the season at 11-5 but almost all of those eleven wins were against sub .500 teams. The loss that hurt the most was the last game of the season against the Cowboys. Because it meant they would lose the NFC East and had to play the Cowboys in Dallas in the first round; a game they would lose. The culprit was defense. The Eagles need a few positions but none more than linebacker.

25. Baltimore Ravens

Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State

Perrish Cox was originally slated as a mid-second round pick but after he dominated throughout the Senior Bowl practices and the game, he really caught the attention of teams like theRavens who have a glaring need at the corner position.

26. Arizona Cardinals

Navorro Bowman*, LB, Penn State

The Cardinals’ first priority in the draft will be to attempt to replace the production that Karlos Dansby too with him to Miami. Navorro Bowman had a great career at Penn State aka “Linebacker U.” He dropped a little due to some lackluster combine workouts but there is no questioning his production so he didn’t drop far. He will look to prove that workouts are overrated and the Cards will hope he is right.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Taylor Mays, S, USC

The Cowboys thought they had their long-time franchise safety in Roy Williams but that dream ended before last season. Actually, it seemed to have ended right about the time that they added the horse collar tackle as a penalty because of him. They haven’t been able to replace him ever since and the take another shot at it by drafting hard hitting safety Taylor Mays.

28. San Diego Chargers

Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

Jamal Williams battled injuries every season the last few years and was released by the Chargers and signed with the Broncos. The Chargers needed insurance before and a plan for the future at nose tackle. Now they have a gaping hole to fill. Dan Williams is the absolute perfect choice to fill it. While they would like to bring in a running back after cutting ties with LaDainian Tomlinson, defensive tackle is far more crucial.

29. New York Jets

Ricky Sapp, DE/LB, Clemson

The Jets like the 3-4 and they play it quite well. Now they can start upgrading some of the positions like outside linebacker. They have need at safety as well but there are none worthy of this pick.

30. Minnesota Vikings

Jimmy Clausen*, QB, Notre Dame

Brett Favre originally said that it was “highly unlikely” he would be back next year. That has since changed to “undecided” which means that he will probably come back. But whether he comes back or not, will not effect the Vikings need to draft a quarterback. Clausen would greatly benefit from a season backing up Favre the same way Aaron Rodgers did in Green Bay. And if Favre does actually retire, Clausen could compete with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job. He has worked in a pro system at Notre Dame and many scouts think that he has the potential to be special. If the Vikings don’t agree, I still say they get a quarterback. It would just be Colt McCoy instead.

31. Indianapolis Colts

Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse

There are many positions that the Colts could address here and defensive tackle is one of those postions that could use an upgrade. They take the best player on the board at a position that could use an upgrade.

32. New Orleans Saints

Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

The Saints have a considerable need at outside linebacker but the position gets pretty thin at this point. While the defensive tackle position is deep and there are solid guys still available that could be starters or better. Marvin Austin is one such player.

Click here to see the Mock Draft version 4.0: Rounds 1-3

Click here to see the Mock Draft version 2.0

Click here to see the Mock Draft version 1.0

Round 2

33	Rams	Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
34	Lions	Charles Brown, OT, USC
35	Bucs	Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
36	Chiefs 3-4	Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
37	Redskins	Jahvid Best, RB, California
38	Browns 3-4	Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
39	Raiders	Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
40	Seahawks	Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
41	Bills	Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati
42	Bucs (from Bears)	Nate Allen, S, South Florida
43	Dolphins	Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi
44	Patriots (from Jaguars)	Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
45	Broncos	Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
46	Giants	Sean Lee, ILB, Penn State
47	Panthers	Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
48	Patriots (from Titans)	Daryl Washington, ILB, TCU
49	49ers	Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
50	Texans	Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
51	Chiefs (from Falcons)	Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU
52	Steelers	Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
53	Patriots	Damian Williams, WR, USC
54	Bengals	Rob Gronkowski,TE, Arizona
55	Eagles	Chad Jones, S, LSU
56	Packers	DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
57	Ravens	Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon
58	Cardinals	Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
59	Cowboys	Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
60	Chargers	Joe McKnight, RB, USC
61	Jets	Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
62	Vikings	Vladimir Ducasse, OG, UMass
63	Colts	George Selvie, DE, South Florida
64	Saints	Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina
—–	Round 3	—————————————————
65	Rams	Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
66	Lions	Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
67	Bucs	Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
68	Chiefs	Taylor Price, WR, Ohio
69	Raiders	Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia
70	Eagles (from Seahawks)	D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech
71	Browns	Larry Asante, S, Nebraska
72	Bills	Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
73	Dolphins	Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
74	Jaguars	Rod Muckelroy, OLB, Texas
75	Bears	Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
76	Giants	Willie Young, DE, North Carolina State
77	Titans	Riley Cooper, WR, Florida
78	Panthers	Anthony McCoy, TE, USC
79	49ers	Thaddeus Gibson, DE/LB, Ohio State
80	Broncos	O’Brien Schofield, OLB, Wisconsin
81	Texans	Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee
82	Steelers	Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian
83	Falcons	Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama
84	Bengals	Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
85	Raiders (from Patriots)	Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
86	Packers	Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois
87	Eagles	Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
88	Cardinals (from Ravens)	Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
89	Cardinals	Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
90	Cowboys	Jermaine Cunningham, OLB, Florida
91	Chargers	Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
92	Browns (from Jets)	Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
93	Vikings	Antonio Coleman, OLB, Auburn
94	Colts	Justin Walton, OC, Baylor
95	Saints	Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana (PA)