It's been a long offseason, but we're just a week away from the 2010 NFL Draft. Teams are making their final preparations for the annual spring spectacle, and are getting their draft boards finalized for the new (three-day) draft structure. As I prepare to forecast the future of 64 NFL prospects, my latest attempt serves as the precursor to my final version, which will be released on Wednesday, April 21st.
In my current mock draft, there's been a shakeup in the top 15, but the rest of the first round keeps a consistent flow throughout; I still project 16 seniors and 16 underclassmen being selected in the opening frame. With that said, it all starts with the St. Louis Rams and 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 |
DT |
6-4 |
307 |
The Lions have been aggressive this offseason and have added upgrades on offense and defense. But their latest move, trading for Seahawks guard Rob Sims, almost guarantees that Suh will be their choice.
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Junior |
DT |
6-4 |
295 |
The Bucs want Suh any way possible, but it appears that the Lions have settled on the Nebraska Nightmare. With Suh off the board, the Bucs will turn their attention to McCoy, who many believe is a better fit in Tampa.
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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. Russell Okung is viewed as the safest pick of all the OTs in the draft, but Williams is the most versatile and is a tremendous athlete.
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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 Russell Okung or add 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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Senior |
OT |
6-5 |
307 |
With Walter Jones likely retiring, the Seahawks have to find a young tackle to take over for the future Hall of Famer. The ascension of Trent Williams has allowed Okung to fall into the lap of the Seahawks and makes this an easy decision.
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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 offseason 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, as the Bills transition to a 3-4, but Bulaga may turn out to be the most complete OT prospect in this year's class.
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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 |
MLB |
6-4 |
249 |
We're roughly a week away from the draft and the Broncos still have Brandon Marshall on their roster. As long as he's still in the fold, drafting a WR isn't a huge priority. But, the release of Andra Davis this offseason left a gapping hole at the inside linebacker position and while there are some concerns about McClain, he's too talented to ignore.
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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. The Broncos passed on Dez Bryant, and the Dolphins will consider him, but the selection of Williams immediately improves Miami's defense and gives them the massive force they need in the trenches.
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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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Junior |
WR |
6-2 |
225 |
The Seahawks have a few options on the board here and will decide between two offensive playmakers, Dez Bryant and C.J. Spiller. Spiller could have a huge impact on the running game and special teams, but Bryant's potential to be a No. 1 WR at the next level is exactly what the Seahawks offense is lacking.
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Senior |
RB |
5-11 |
196 |
The Giants don't have many glaring needs, but they could upgrade their front seven with this pick. With the likes of Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul and Brandon Graham available, the Giants could easily select one of them. But the impact that Spiller could have on offense and special teams, gives the Giants a weapon similar to the one Philadelphia had with Brian Westbrook.
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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 Maurkice 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 Pierre-Paul'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 reach for a WR like Golden Tate, Arrelious Benn or Demaryius Thomas 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 selection will come down to Sean Weatherspoon and Brandon Graham. Weatherspoon fits well, but Graham upgrades their pass rush.
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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 the pick will come down to Kyle Wilson or Devin McCourty. Either one would fit, but McCourty gives the Eagles the physical CB that can replace Sheldon Brown, and he 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 may have used this pick on a WR, but after trading for Santonio Holmes, it's no longer a priority. The Jets are destined to have one of the best defenses in 2010, and decide to add to their strength by drafting 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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