With the All-Star games, Scouting Combine and Pro Days behind us, we're just two and a half weeks away from the 2010 NFL Draft. Teams continue to conduct private workouts and host draft prospects on official visits, while altering their draft boards. Just like the NFL teams, I also adjust my draft board, as the spring spectacle gets closer, which in turn prompts an update of my Big Board, Rankings and Mock Draft.
The impact that the underclassmen will have on this year's draft is obvious, but the senior impact in the opening round is starting to gain momentum, as I again project 16 seniors and 16 underclassmen being selected in the first round. With that said, it all starts with the St. Louis Rams, as they’re on the clock…
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Junior |
QB |
6-4 |
238 |
The Rams can't afford to ignore the QB position any longer, and drafting Bradford is crucial to the future of the Rams organization. Suh will be considered, but Bradford solidified himself as the top pick after a stellar Pro Day performance.
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Senior |
OT |
6-5 |
307 |
The Lions were aggressive during free agency and tweaked their defensive line. Suh is attractive, but the Lions have to build at team, and drafting Okung gives them their LT to protect Stafford.
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Senior |
DT |
6-4 |
307 |
The Bucs want Suh any way possible, and there's a chance they could trade up with the Rams to secure him. Whatever they decide to do, they will ultimately end up with the Nebraska Nightmare.
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Senior |
OT |
6-5 |
315 |
After trading for Donovan McNabb, the quarterback position is no longer a priority for the Redskins. The focus for the Redskins with this selection will be at OT and with Okung off the board, Williams' versatility and athleticism fit well upfront.
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Junior |
FS |
6-0 |
212 |
The Chiefs have a tough decision to make with this pick. They could add an OT like Bryan Bulaga or a playmaker in their secondary with the selection of Berry. A wildcard here could be Rolando McClain, but the Chiefs decide on Berry to be the cornerstone of their defense.
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Junior |
DT |
6-4 |
295 |
McCoy is this year's unforeseen instance, as he drops out of the top 5 and lands in the lap of the Seahawks. The Seahawks have to upgrade their pass rush, and instead of addressing their need off the edge, they get an interior presence who can disrupt.
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rSophomore |
FS |
5-10 |
208 |
The Browns have a lot of holes that they need to fill, but the most glaring is in the secondary. Trading for Sheldon Brown will help, but drafting Thomas, who offers versatility to the Browns secondary, is the way to go with Berry off the board.
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Junior |
OT |
6-7 |
314 |
Al Davis is enamored with players that have a great combination of size and speed. And with the Raiders in need of an OT, Campbell's strong off season lands him in the top 10. Campbell is not a finished product, but he has the attributes and raw skill that could eventually make him an elite player.
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Junior |
OT |
6-6 |
314 |
The Bills need help in the trenches, and they could select a DT or OT with this pick. Dan Williams is a possibility with this pick, but Bulaga may turn out to be the most complete OT prospect in this year's class. It would be tough for the Bills to pass on Bulaga, as he addresses their biggest need.
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Junior |
QB |
6-3 |
222 |
This is the selection that will alter the draft. The Jaguars can go in a few directions with this pick. They could draft DE Derrick Morgan, MLB Rolando McClain or target a young signal caller like Clausen. The intrigue of adding a talented QB like Clausen is too much for Jacksonville to pass on.
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Junior |
WR |
6-2 |
225 |
The Broncos have to find a physical, big play WR who can stretch the field, since the future of Brandon Marshall in Denver is unclear. There are concerns about Bryant's character and straight-line speed, but you can't deny his talent and ability to be a game breaker.
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Senior |
DT |
6-2 |
327 |
With the Dolphins signing Karlos Dansby as a free agent, Bill Parcells can look in a different direction other than linebacker. Drafting FS Earl Thomas will intrigue the Dolphins front office, but they realize that finding a big interior presence on their D-Line is a major priority. Williams is a perfect fit.
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Junior |
CB |
5-11 |
193 |
The 49ers have two first round picks, and they can address two major needs with those selections. Two of their biggest needs are at CB and OT. There are plenty of options on the board, but Haden has great value and is rated as the No. 1 CB in the draft. He will start immediately in San Francisco.
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Senior |
RB |
5-11 |
196 |
The Seahawks have to draft an OT in the first two rounds, and there are some options available. But Spiller's game breaking ability is too great to pass up.
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Junior |
MLB |
6-4 |
249 |
The Giants need help in the trenches and at linebacker, and there is plenty of talent available at both positions. Derrick Morgan and Jason Pierre-Paul are attractive, but McClain gives the Giants the presence they need in the middle.
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Junior |
DE |
6-3 |
266 |
The Titans have to fill a huge vacancy at DE after they let Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse walk this off season. They're fortunate that the best all-around DE in the draft is still on the board; Morgan gives the Titans a force off the edge.
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Junior |
OT |
6-5 |
323 |
After drafting Haden with their first pick, the 49ers will look towards the O-Line with this selection. There are options available, and it will come down to Davis, Maurkice Pouncey and Mike Iupati. The Niners decide that Davis' upside at OT is too great, and they take a chance on the inconsistent Rutgers star.
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Senior |
OG |
6-5 |
331 |
The Steelers desperately need help on the O-Line and could use a force at LT. The top OTs are off the board, and it's possible that the Steelers turn their attention to defense and draft a CB. However, with Iupati and Pouncey available, they decide to choose between the two; Iupati is the physical lineman they covet.
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Junior |
DE |
6-5 |
270 |
The signing of Dunta Robinson takes CB off of their priority list with this pick, but DE still remains a concern. The Falcons will consider Brandon Graham, but Griffen's upside and freakish athleticism makes this an easy selection.
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Senior |
S |
6-3 |
230 |
The Texans stole Brian Cushing in the first round last year, and with an obvious need for a safety, they turn to USC again to steal one of the best athletes in the draft, Taylor Mays.
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Senior |
TE |
6-5 |
261 |
The Bengals could select a WR like Golden Tate or Arrelious Benn with this pick. But adding a big play TE who can stretch the seam like Gresham provides another dimension to Cincinnati's offense.
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Senior |
LB |
6-2 |
268 |
The Patriots are going through a transition at LB, and they must add more youth. There are some intriguing names available, but the Patriots will decide between Sean Weatherspoon and Graham. It's a tough choice, but Graham's ability as a pass rusher wins out.
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Junior |
C |
6-4 |
304 |
The Packers need a young OT, but with the five top OTs and premier OG off the board, they will settle for the best center in this year's draft. Pouncey can play center or guard and gives the Packers flexibility to shuffle their line around.
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Senior |
CB |
5-11 |
193 |
The Eagles need help on defense, especially on the D-Line and in the secondary. There are a few players to consider, but McCourty gives the Eagles the physical CB that can replace Sheldon Brown and fits their aggressive defensive structure best.
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Senior |
DT |
6-4 |
349 |
The Ravens filled their need for a No. 1 WR by trading for Anquan Boldin, which leaves CB and D-Line as their next priority. There are CBs available, but the presence of Mount Cody makes everyone on their defense better.
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Senior |
LB |
6-0 |
239 |
The Cardinals signed Joey Porter to help their pass rush, but since they run a 3-4 scheme, they can never have enough linebackers. Weatherspoon's athleticism allows him to play inside or outside, and the passion he brings to the game is contagious.
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Senior |
OT |
6-6 |
303 |
Drafting late in the first round, the Cowboys could draft the best player available or fill a need. Selecting a LT of the future is necessary, and by choosing Brown, the Cowboys are not married to Doug Free as their future bookend.
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Junior |
RB |
6-0 |
218 |
The Chargers kept Darren Sproles, but they have to replace the legendary L.T. Mathews is the big back that will complement the speedy Sproles and their rushing attack shouldn't miss a beat.
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Senior |
DT |
6-5 |
304 |
The Jets are destined to have one of the best defenses in 2010, and they continue to add to their strength by adding Odrick. Odrick has the size and length to be a quality pass rushing DE.
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Senior |
CB |
5-10 |
194 |
The loss of Chester Taylor makes Jahvid Best a possibility with this pick, but the depth and injury situation at CB for the Vikings takes precedence. Wilson is a playmaker and displays the swagger needed to succeed at the next level.
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Senior |
OT |
6-5 |
316 |
Like a few teams, the Colts could select the best player available with this pick. The Colts could draft a CB, since there's great value at that position, but it's obvious that they lack depth at OT. By drafting Saffold, the Colts get an experienced OT who can play right away if needed.
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Junior |
DE |
6-3 |
273 |
The Saints have an offense that can score at will, and while their defense was improved last year, they still have to solidify a few areas. The areas that need the most help are D-Line and LB, but drafting a DE like Griffen, who can complement Will Smith, will give the Saints another legitimate pass rusher.
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