2010 NFL mock draft: Rounds 1-7
First Round
1. ST. LOUIS RAMS
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
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Coming off of what longtime league personnel man Gil Brandt described as the best quarterback Pro Day workout since Troy Aikman’s for the Cowboys back in 1989, Bradford’s my guy at No.1. At his workout in Norman two weeks ago, Bradford threw 63 passes and every one of them was catchable. He weighed in at a sculpted 236 pounds, looking far stronger than he was at Oklahoma, and stood at 6-foot-5. The Rams have passed on QBs Matt Ryan (2008), Joe Flacco (2008), Chad Henne (2008) and Mark Sanchez (2009) in recent drafts. St. Louis won’t — and really can’t — pass on Bradford on April 22. For the heck of it, though, let’s throw out a hypothetical situation. What if — and of course, this isn’t happening, but it sure is fun to mull over — at 6:45 p.m. EST Thursday evening the Rams get a phone call from a Pittsburgh area code. Big Ben for the first overall pick. If you’re St. Louis GM Billy Devaney, do you do it? Again, it’s not happening. But let that simmer for a bit. Would you do it?
2. DETROIT LIONS
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
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If the Lions find a way to land Albert Haynesworth from Washington without surrendering the second overall pick, they’ll go with Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung. If they don’t, they’ll take Ndamukong Suh. Suh is the top rated player on my 2010 NFL Draft board and can be the franchise’s defensive cornerstone to build around for the next decade. Jim Schwartz is a defensive coach at heart. I can’t see him passing on the Nebraska star. Look for Detroit to address offensive tackle with the 34th overall pick.
3. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahom
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McCoy would have been a top five pick last year had he entered the draft after his redshirt sophomore season. In 2009, he recorded 14.5 tackles for a loss despite a constant barrage of double teams. Offensive lines built entire game plans around stopping McCoy while he played at Oklahoma. Tampa coach Raheem Morris got the heart and soul of his offense in QB Josh Freeman last April. He’ll get the heart and soul of his defense in McCoy in 2010. This one’s really a can’t miss for Tampa. If Detroit picks an OT at No. 2, they’ll have the fortune of picking between two franchise DTs in Suh and McCoy. Both are top notch prospects. Tampa’s been missing a dominant presence in the middle since Warren Sapp left town in 2004.
4. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
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It’s no secret that the ‘Skins are looking to fill Chris Samuels’ shoes at tackle. Washington made a play at Chad Clifton in free agency before he re-signed with Green Bay. A prized offensive tackle prospect, Washington gets its guy on April 22 with Okung. In the Oklahoma State star, a player I had rated higher than No. 2 overall pick Jason Smith last year, coach Mike Shanahan & Co. would get a franchise cornerstone who gave up just one sack in 336 pass attempts in 2009. Shanahan struck gold in Ryan Clady at No. 8 overall in Denver. He’ll do the same with Okung at No. 4.
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The Chiefs are reportedly looking to trade down, seeing a lot more value in the 10-20 range of this draft than in the top five. Thus far in the 2010 offseason, Kansas City has retained six of their own free agents and has gone out and signed five unrestricted free agents, including RB Thomas Jones and a pair of veteran linemen (center Casey Wiegmann, guard Ryan Lilja). They still have yet to address their ailing defensive backfield needs. In 2009, the starts at safety were divided between four veterans -- Mike Brown (16), Jon McGraw (9), Jarrad Page (5) and DaJuan Morgan (2) -- with Brown not coming back. Berry makes sense. A do-everything centerfielder at the safety spot in three years at Knoxville, he comes from a pro-style defense coached by Monte Kiffin at Tennessee. Compared to both Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu — two completely different types of safeties — he’ll start right away.
6. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
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Seattle’s one of the bigger wild cards in this draft. With left tackle, running back, and pass rush needs and two picks in the top 14, they’d love to come out of the first round filling two of those three needs. But which combination do you go? Trent Williams and an elite pass rusher? C.J. Spiller and a second-tier offensive tackle? Spiller and an OT, neglecting the defensive line? I think they go with the safe bet, replacing all-decade performer Walter Jones with Oklahoma’s Williams. With a young quarterback (recently acquired Charlie Whitehurst) for the future now locked in, I see Carroll and personnel man John Schneider passing on Spiller, passing on Jason Pierre-Paul and Derrick Morgan, and passing on Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen and addressing the team’s dire offensive line needs with the sixth overall pick. Seattle's quarterbacks were sacked an embarrassing 44 times in 2009. In Oklahoma’s Williams, they get a premier prospect who can play left tackle or right tackle at a high level right away.
7. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Earl Thomas, S/CB, Texas
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Only two players picked by the Browns in the first round since they returned to the NFL in 1999 are still on the roster — left tackle Joe Thomas in 2007 and Alex Mack in 2009. That’s not saying much about the team’s draft day success. But there’s a new boss in town, and slowly but surely the Cleveland roster is getting better and better this offseason. After bringing in two veteran quarterbacks, Super Bowl champion linebacker Scott Fujita and veterans Tony Pashos and Ben Watson, the Browns addressed two more areas of need by acquiring outside linebacker Chris Gocong and cornerback Sheldon Brown from the Eagles earlier this month. Gocong, a standout in Philly, should slide right into the OLB void left by the Kamerion Wimbley-to-Oakland trade. Brown, meanwhile, could start at corner on opening day. Things would certainly get interesting in the Cleveland war room if QB Jimmy Clausen slipped to No.7. Mike Holmgren’s buddy Jon Gruden is extremely high on Clausen, but I think Holmgren & Co. may wait until the second round to address their quarterback needs by drafting either Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy. In the end, I think the Browns go with Earl Thomas, the tremendously talented safety out of Texas. A takeaway machine, Thomas will start — and flourish — right away under Eric Mangini. The 20-year-old Thomas can be the cornerstone of the Cleveland defense for years to come. Another possibility at No. 7 is my guy, Dez Bryant. If locker room chemistry maven Eric Mangini wasn’t Cleveland’s coach, I’d have him slated right here.
8. OAKLAND RAIDERS
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Though critics have killed the Raiders for the lack of productivity from their top 10 picks in the past three drafts — JaMarcus Russel (first overall), Darren McFadden (fourth overall), and Darrius Heyward-Bey (seventh overall) — head coach Tom Cable was extremely positive when discussing Heyward-Bey earlier this week, noting, “You guys will be excited when you see us in [organized team activities] with the improvement Darrius has made. He has just jumped out at us in the offseason program, and probably no one is as excited on our team as Darrius is right now. He really has taken this thing leaps and bounds." Heyward-Bey failed to produce much of anything last year as Oakland suffered through a 5-11 season, extending the Raiders' NFL record of consecutive seasons with 11 or more losses to seven. Though the Raiders acquired Kamerion Wimbley from Cleveland, they’ve been all but silent in the free agent market. Trying to get inside Al Davis’ head is never easy, but if I were to take my best bet, they’ll be looking to land an offensive tackle at No.8. Bruce Campbell, a guy just about everyone and their mother has linked to Oakland, is always a possibility. And Bryan Bulaga, a steady performer who can play either left or right tackle, is worth considering. But I think the Raiders reach a bit and go with Anthony Davis, a standout at Rutgers who played his best ball against All-Big East pass rushers Greg Romeus of Pitt and George Selvie of South Florida. An imposing physical specimen with terrific, raw natural ability, there’s a lot to love about the three-year starter. In the end, the ghost of Robert Gallery hovers over Bulaga’s name if Davis and Cable pull the trigger on the kid from the Garden State.
9. BUFFALO BILLS
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
I read a great factoid this weekend. According to Bills team researchers, 28 percent of Buffalo's draft picks since 2004 have turned into starters. Only New Orleans (29 percent) has done better. The major difference between those two teams? Well, the Saints have been to two NFC Championship Games and won the Super Bowl last season. Buffalo hasn't been to the playoffs in a decade. As for 2010? Well, things aren’t looking too great. The AFC East continues to get better and the Bills seem to have needs just about everywhere on the field. The offensive line is a disaster, Buffalo opted not to retain two of their top wideouts this offseason and the pass rush was all but nonexistent in 2009. They’re also moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and don’t have a run-stuffing 3-4 clog for that scheme. And none of the three quarterbacks on the roster — Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, or Brian Brohm — strike up visions of Jim Kelly (or even Frank Reich) in Buffalo. With the ninth pick, Buffalo can go many directions. Yet, even with Jimmy Clausen available in this scenario, I can’t see GM Buddy Nix and coach Chan Gailey passing on the consistency of Bulaga. Capable of playing either left or right tackle at the next level, he’ll be an immediate starter and join second year men Andy Levitre and Eric Wood on the young Buffalo offensive line. As for Buffalo’s quarterback needs? The team is reportedly very interested in Tebow and may need to move into the latter half of the first round to land him.
10. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
The Jags have only two picks in the first three rounds — the 10th and 74th overall selections — and would love to trade down a bit in the first round this year to scoop up a second rounder in the process. More than any other team, Jacksonville has hit the jackpot in round two of the NFL Draft in recent years with starters Rashean Mathis, Maurice Jones-Drew, Greg Jones, Daryl Smith, and Eben Britton. With Clausen on the board, there should be some willing participants for a swap. If no one’s biting, I see Jackonsville taking the top player available. In this case, it’s C.J. Spiller. But they already have MJD, right?! So what? In today’s NFL, the more playmakers, the better. And in Spiller, they get a guy who can return kicks and punts, carry the rock, and catch passes out of the backfield. Of his 50-plus collegiate touchdowns, 23 came on plays of 50 yards or more. Jacksonville addressed its need for an elite pass rusher by acquiring DE Aaron Kampman earlier this month. They’ll fill their holes at linebacker and defensive back in later rounds. At 10th overall, they’ll go for the jackpot pick and take the game breaker in a Florida-raised kid, Mr. Spiller.
11. DENVER BRONCOS
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
I’m sick and tired of hearing about Dez Bryant’s “character red flags.” Character schmaracter. The only “crime” Bryant’s guilty of is being a knucklehead. Sure, he’s missed a few practices. And yes, he lied to the NCAA — something I don’t take lightly. But the punishment he was handed was absurd. Bryant has Randy Moss-like talent. And that’s not hyperbole. Brandon Marshall, for as good of a player as he was on the field, was a constant distraction off of it and in the locker room. His departure creates a tremendous void at wideout. Josh McDaniels loves going to multiple wideout sets, and as of now his receiving corps is worse than thin, it’s emaciated. Eddie Royal is coming off a miserable season, Brandon Stokley is nearing 100 years old, and neither Brandon Lloyd or Kenny McKinley are reliable first or second wideouts. Bryant’s the answer. He’ll be a tremendous NFL player and he’ll produce right away in Denver. And I promise, Denver fans, there will be no “issues” to worry about.
12. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
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Though he was re-signed earlier this month, 35-year-old NT Jason Ferguson is obviously not the long-term DT solution for Miami. Williams is. The run-stuffing big man follows in the great tradition of the Tennessee DTs before him (Albert Haynesworth, Justin Harrell, Aubreyo Franklin) and could be that anchor of the Miami D-line for years to come. With Ferguson being docked with an eight-game suspension to start the 2010 season, Williams may see action sooner rather than later.
Jimmy Clausen’s decision to not attend the draft in person on Thursday night may turn out to be a good one based on the way I have things shaking out here. San Fran was put in a similar situation last year when they were all but signed, sealed, and delivered to draft Michael Oher with the no.10 selection and Michael Crabtree fell into their lap. San Francisco will need to make a decision on whether they’ll take Jimmy Clausen if he’s sitting there at 13. I think they pass. Veteran Dre' Bly finished the ’09 season with six starts at corner and likely won’t be back. Veteran Nate Clements is scheduled to make $6 million in base salary. San Fran wants to get younger, faster and better at the position. They're hoping to land a player who can start right away. A surprise to some, I've got Kyle Wilson rated above Joe Haden. He's the guy at 13.
14. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
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Now it gets interesting. With some TV draft experts fixated on Jimmy Clausen’s potential free fall, the top two defensive end prospects — Derrick Morgan and Jason Pierre-Paul — could quietly go undrafted and remain on the board and available at No.14. With 33-year-old Patrick Kerney retiring and Daryl Tapp being sent to Philadelphia via trade, Seattle addresses their pass rush needs with a guy many have going in the top ten in Morgan. If Carroll and new GM John Schneider can emerge from day one with Trent Williams and Derrick Morgan, there will be a lot of happy folks up in Seattle.
15. NEW YORK GIANTS
Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
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Giants fans will be parading down Sixth Avenue on Thursday night if Alabama’s McClain slips all the way to No.15. The overall fan favorite among Big Blue diehards entering the draft and the top linebacker in this year’s pool, McClain would make for a perfect pairing for the G-Men. Gerris Wilkinson and Jonathan Goff are not the long-term answers at MLB and McClain can slide right in for the recently departed Antonio Pierce. Nick Saban referred to McClain as his “on-the-field coach” in Tuscaloosa. The Giants’ defense could use a young leader in their linebacker corps to do the same in the Meadowlands.
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With Pro Bowl DE Kyle Vanden Bosch off to Detroit via free agency, Keith Bulluck’s future uncertain, and Jevon Kearse and Nick Harper's days as Titans looking like things of the past, defense, defense and defense appear to be the major points of emphasis in Tennesse this offseason. Veteran DE Jason Babin, LB Will Witherspoon and CBs Rod Hood and Tye Hill have all been signed, but some young depth is needed across the D-line, as well. Despite just seven career starts at South Florida, Pierre-Paul is a tremendous physical specimen who could make an impact immediately in Chuck Cecil’s 4-3 scheme. Type his name into YouTube and you’ll see absurd athletic ability, uncanny speed for a man his size. That and back flips. Yes, he does back flips. Scary stuff.
17. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Charles Brown, OT, USC
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The 49ers have earmarked at least one of their first-round draft picks on improving the O-line. Brown, though you might not be reading it everywhere, is quickly rising up draft boards and may end up going in the top 15. The man who protected Mark Sanchez’s blind side at USC needs to bulk up a bit, but he has great experience and solid technique. Joe Staley’s locked up until 2017. Brown would serve as the bookend on that Niners offensive line. Jimmy Clausen, meanwhile, sings the Paul Simon song, “Slip, Slidin’ Away.”
18. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
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All the pre-draft talk of the Steelers trading Ben Roethlisberger is just that — talk. He’ll be in Pittsburgh this season and, barring a suspension, under center on opening day. Another issue off the field and Big Ben may be a goner. In the meantime, the Steelers need to give him some protection up front. The Pittsburgh running game struggled mightily in ’08 and ’09, and the offense gave up too many sacks. These are signs of an ailing and failing offensive line. Capable of playing either the guard or center position — Pouncey manned both at Florida — one half of the Gators’ Pouncey Brothers could be a top 20 selection for the Steelers. I’ve seen Pouncey pegged as high as No.11 to Denver. No.18 to Pittsburgh sounds about right.
19. ATLANTA FALCONS
Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
With 2007 first-round pick Jamaal Anderson likely moving to defensive tackle, the Falcons could be looking to improve their pass rush off the edge with the 19th overall pick. John Abraham, who had only 5.5 sacks last season isn’t getting any younger, either. If he’s still on the board at No.19, look for Atlanta to go with Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham. The hard-working Senior Bowl MVP has been described as a lunch pail guy who just gets the job done. He led the nation in sacks a year ago.
20. HOUSTON TEXANS
Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
By opting not to pursue veterans Thomas Jones, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, LaDanian Tomllinson, and Chester Taylor in free agency, running back remains a giant question mark on the Houston depth chart. The highest the Texans have selected a running back in the draft has been in the third round with Vernand Morency in ‘05 and Steve Slaton in ‘08. Look for them to grab Fresno’s Ryan Mathews if he’s on the board at 20. They’ll take a corner in round two. With Dunta Robinson now in Atlanta, there are needs at that position, too.
21. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
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Despite a postseason berth and an AFC North division title, the Cincinnati passing offense was a complete dud last year. Carson Palmer, the man my guy Adam Schein refers to as “The Human Jugs Machine,” was a mediocre QB. The reason? A lack of reliable targets. Tight end is certainly a position of need. Last year’s third-round pick, Chase Coffman, didn’t produce the way Bengals front office brass hoped he would in his rookie season. Gresham missed all of ’09 with a knee injury, but looked tremendous in his Pro Day workout last month. He could be an opening day starter and an immediate favorite target for Palmer in Cincy.
22. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas
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So far this offseason, the Patriots have re-signed Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork, 10-sack linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and top corner Leigh Bodden. They’re still looking for a premier 3-4 OLB that can contribute right away. Kindle could be the guy. The classic example of a ‘tweener,” Kindle’s pass-rushing ability and coverage skills sync up well with Bill Belichick’s 3-4 scheme. Kindle ran a 4.71 40 and made an unheard of 57 plays behind the line of scrimmage while at Texas. He’d be a great fit in New England. He’s had some off-field issues, but has come around in the last year. He can go as high as No.11 to Denver. I think he’s going 22 to New England.
23. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Joe Haden, CB, Florida
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Neither Al Harris nor Charles Woodson are getting any younger. Haden's an All-American cornerback who can start right away. Learning from two masters of the position, he'll become an institution at corner in Green Bay . Some have Haden going as high as No. 7 to Cleveland. I think he ends up somewhere in the latter half of the second round, the second corner off the board after Kyle Wilson.
24. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Mike Iupati, OG/OT, Idaho
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Hello? NFL? Does anyone want this Jimmy Clausen fella? My second-rated QB is still on the board, barring any trades, by the time Philadelphia’s on the clock at 24. Could the Eages be a destination for the former Notre Dame captain? Probably not. Philly’s certainly going to look a little different in 2010. The offense loses longtime stars Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook (amongst others), while the defense will be without former starters Sheldon Brown, Chris Gocong, Darren Howard, Sean Jones, Chris Clemons, Jason Babin and Will Weatherspoon. The interior of the offensive line was downright embarrassed by the Cowboys in Week 17 and the wild-card round of the playoffs and remains a major sore spot. Iupati would be an immediate upgrade at guard and could eventually learn to play the tackle spot. Iupati fills a need and is a great value pick at 24.
25. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State
The Ravens have the fewest draft picks among AFC North teams this year with just five selections. Those picks are: first round (25th overall), second round (57th), fifth round (156th and 157th) and sixth round (194th). The Ravens traded their third- and fourth-round picks to Arizona for receiver Anquan Boldin and their seventh-round pick went to Tampa Bay in a 2009 trade for defensive end Marques Douglas. With just five picks, look for Baltimore to focus on finding players that can contribute right away and fill glaring needs. Though Baltimore ranked first in the NFL in rush defense in 2009, Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan will be elsewhere in 2010 and Kelly Gregg turns 34 next season. A stop-gap defensive tackle who can play right away makes sense. Odrick, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, is a tireless worker who could play either inside or outside at the next level. His professionalism and on-field production fits the character of the business-like Baltimore defense.
26. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
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Hey, why the heck not? After an offseason that saw Kurt Warner retire, Karlos Dansby sign with Miami, Antrel Rolle join the Giants and Anquan Boldin traded to Baltimore, the Cardinals have needs all over the field. Neither Derek Anderson nor Matt Leinart have the fans thinking playoffs. Coach Ken Whisenhunt’s a proven quarterbacks guru who groomed Ben Roethlisberger, and the Cardinals have four of the first 88 picks to address other needs. At 26, Arizona takes the cards they’re dealt and rolls the dice on a kid who threw 29 touchdowns and just four interceptions behind an offensive line devoid of NFL prospects. It’s nuts. It’s crazy. Hey, I love Jimmy Clausen as an NFL quarterback prospect. And if things shake out as they do here, I love him even more as a guy with a major chip on his shoulder down in Arizona.
27. DALLAS COWBOYS
Rodger Saffold, OT/OG, Indiana
The Flozell Adams Era is officially done in Dallas. Drafted in 1998 as a second-round selection, Adams was a fixture in Dallas for 12 seasons on the Cowboys’ offensive line. Mark Colombo will work one tackle spot in 2009, while promising youngster Doug Free is the apparent starter at the other one. Beyond Colombo and Free, four-year veteran reserve Pat McQuistan is the only other veteran currently on the roster with experience at tackle. Saffold is rapidly rising up draft boards. He was a standout at the combine and the East-West shrine game. A surprise to some, he’ll add some depth to the Dallas offensive line. He’d be the first offensive lineman taken by Dallas in the first round since 1989.
28. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Jahvid Best, RB, California
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Best ran a 4.35 40 at the Combine and bench pressed 225 pounds an impressive 18 times. He opted not to run at Cal’s recent Pro Day but that fact shouldn’t ding his draft stock whatsoever. Lingering concussion concerns from a bizarre 2009 injury in which he flipped and landed on his head very well might, though. He has been cleared by one of the nation’s leading concussion specialists and was actually given the OK to play in Cal’s bowl game, but he opted not to suit up. Best has first-round talent. At No. 28 he’d be quite a dazzling player to pair with Darren Sproles in the San Diego backfield. Look for the Chargers to grab him if he’s available, then to pick up a DT with the 40th pick.
29. NEW YORK JETS
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
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This one hasn’t changed since February. I’ve had Cody pegged to the Jets for months because it just makes too much sense. Kris Jenkins is coming off an injury, isn’t getting any younger and Rex Ryan’s 3-4 scheme simply suits Cody perfectly. Mount Cody weighed in at Alabama ’s recent pro day at a respectable 348 pounds — 22 pounds less than he did at the Senior Bowl — and demands attention from multiple interior offensive linemen. He is an absolute clog in the middle and a 3-4 defense dream at NT. If Buffalo, Miami, San Diego, and Baltimore all pass on him, the Jets front office will be very pleased to see him slip all the way to 29. Jets fans, always the most vocal at Radio City Music Hall, might respond with gasps and horror. They’d be wrong to do so. If he doesn’t eat himself out of the league, Cody is going to make for a very nice NFL defensive tackle.
30. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
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With Cedric Griffin banged up, Antoine Winfield battling injuries and not much depth beyond them on the roster, look for Minnesota to grab a top-flight cornerback if there’s one left on the board. The way this draft plays out, four of my top five rated corners — McCourty, Boise’s Kyle Wilson, Alabama’s Kareem Jackson, and Florida State’s Patrick Robinson — should be sitting there at No.30. I’ve gone back and forth on which of the four players I have as my second-rated corner, but I think the physical McCourty is the guy who fits Minnesota’s defense best. He’s also a fearless return man on special teams.
31. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
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The Colts will look to bolster their offensive and defensive lines in the draft, but could use a top flight linebacker talent, as well. Weatherspoon, who I previously had going as high as No.15 to New York, can be that guy. A 239-pound producer that has a high football IQ, runs a 4.6 40 and recorded more than 400 tackles in his college career, he’s capable of producing right away at the next level. He also squats 770 pounds and was one of the bigger personalities at both the Senior Bowl and the combine. The Colts return just about everyone from their 2009 AFC Championship squad. The addition of Weatherspoon would make them even better.
32. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Everson Griffen, DE, USC
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Defensive end was a need in New Orleans even before the recent departure of Charles Grant. Griffen, the first true freshman to start at defensive end for USC in decades, played both DE and LB while under Pete Carroll. Truly a physical specimen, consistency was his biggest issue in college. Joining fellow ex-Trojans Reggie Bush and Sed Ellis in New Orleans, look for the super freak to add some much needed pass-rushing ability to the defending champs’ front 7.
Second Round
33. St. Louis Rams — Brian Price, DT/DE, UCLA Highlights
34. Detroit Lions — Vladimir Ducasse, OG/OT, Massachusetts Highlights
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Demayrius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech Highlights
36. Kansas City Chiefs — Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame Highlights
37. Philadelphia Eagles — Nate Allen, S, South Florida Highlights
38. Cleveland Browns — Tim Tebow, QB, Florida Highlights
39. Oakland Raiders — Taylor Mays, S, USC
40. San Diego Chargers — Cam Thomas, DT, North Carolina
41. Buffalo Bills — Colt McCoy, QB, Texas Highlights
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers— Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland Highlights
43. Denver Broncos— Daryl Washington, LB, TCU Highlights
44. New England Patriots — Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona Highlights
45. Denver Broncos — Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois
46. New York Giants — Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida Highlights
47. New England Patriots — Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU Highlights
48. Carolina Panthers — Tyson Alualu, DE/DT, California Highlights
49. San Francisco 49ers — Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford Highlights
50. Kansas City Chiefs — Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale College
51. Houston Texans — Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama Highlights
52. Pittsburgh Steelers — Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State Highlights
53. New England Patriots —Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss
54. Cincinnati Bengals — Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech
55. Philadelphia Eagles — Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State
56. Green Bay Packers — John Jerry, OG/OT, Ole Miss
57. Baltimore Ravens — Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana University (Pennsylvania)
58. Arizona Cardinals — Koa Misi, LB, Utah Highlights
59. Dallas Cowboys — Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois Highlights
60. Seattle Seahawks — Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
61. New York Jets — Jason Worilds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech Highlights
62. Minnesota Vikings — LaMarr Houston, DT, Texas
63. Indianapolis Colts — Corey Wootton, DE/DT, Northwestern
64. New Orleans Saints — Chad Jones, S, LSU
Third Round
65. St. Louis Rams — Damian Williams, WR, USC Highlights
66. Detroit Lions — Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech Highlights
67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Zane Beadles, OT/OG, Utah
68. Kansas City Chiefs — Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
69. Oakland Raiders — Austen Lane, DE, Murray State
70. Philadelphia Eagles — Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
71. Cleveland Browns — Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU Highlights
72. Buffalo Bills — Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
73. Miami Dolphins — Reshad Jones, S, Georgia
74. Jacksonville Jaguars — Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
75. Chicago Bears — Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
76. New York Giants — Marshall Newhouse, OG, TCU
77. Tennessee Titans — Anthony McCoy, TE, USC Highlights
78. Carolina Panthers — Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida Highlights
79. San Francisco 49ers — Jermaine Cunningham, DE, Florida Highlights
80. Denver Broncos — Mike Johnson, C, Alabama
81. Houston Texans —D’Anthony “Boo” Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech
82. Pittsburgh Steelers — Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee
83. Atlanta Falcons — Navarro Bowman, LB, Penn State
84. Cincinnati Bengals — Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati Highlights
85. Cleveland Browns — Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson Highlights
86. Green Bay Packers — Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
87. Philadelphia Eagles — Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
88. Arizona Cardinals — Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh
89. Arizona Cardinals — Ed Wang, OT, Virginia Tech
90. Dallas Cowboys — Major Wright, S, Florida
91. San Diego Chargers — Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia
92. Cleveland Browns — Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida Highlights
93. Minnesota Vikings — Mitch Petrus, OG, Arkansas
94. Indianapolis Colts — Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon
95. New Orleans Saints — Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State Highlights
96. Cincinnati Bengals — Thaddeus Gibson, LB, Ohio State
97. Tennessee Titans — Donald Butler, LB, Washington
98. Atlanta Falcons — Ben Tate, RB, Auburn Highlights
Fourth Round
99 St. Louis Rams — Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida
100. Detroit Lions — Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
101. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
102. Kansas City Chiefs — Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami
103. Washington Redskins — Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian
104. Seattle Seahawks — Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas
105. Philadelphia Eagles — Joe McKnight, RB, USC
106. Oakland Raiders — Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina
107. Buffalo Bills — James Starks, RB, Buffalo
108. Jacksonville Jaguars — Riley Cooper, WR, Florida
109. Chicago Bears — T.J. Ward, S, Oregon
110. Miami Dolphins –— Dekoda Watson, DE/OLB, Florida State
111. Tennessee Titans — Torrell Troup, DT, Central Florida
112. Carolina Panthers — Kevin Thomas, CB, USC
113. San Francisco 49ers — Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
114. Denver Broncos — Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan
115. New York Giants — Amari Spievy, CB, Iowa
116. Pittsburgh Steelers — Al Woods, DT, LSU
117. Atlanta Falcons — Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas Highlights
118. Houston Texans — Kam Chancellor, S, Virginia Tech
119. New England Patriots — Taylor Price, WR, Ohio
120. Cincinnati Bengals — Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
121. Philadelphia Eagles — Matt Tennant, C, Boston College
122. Green Bay Packers — Dennis Landolt, OT, Penn State
123. Arizona Cardinals — Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
124. New York Jets — Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
125. Dallas Cowboys — Walter McFadden, CB, Auburn
126. San Diego Chargers — Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati Highlights
127. Seattle Seahawks — Daniel Te’o Nesheim, DE, Washington
128. Minnesota Vikings — John Skelton, QB, Fordham
129. Indianapolis Colts — C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina
130. New Orleans Saints — Jamar Chaney, LB, Mississippi State
131. Cincinnati Bengals — Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
Fifth round
132. St. Louis Rams — Rodrick Muckelroy, LB, Texas
133. Seattle Seahawks — Syd’Quan Thompson, CB, California
134. Cleveland Browns —Joshua Moore, CB, Kansas State
135. Washington Redskins —Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
136. Kansas City Chiefs — Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa
137. Philadelphia Eagles — Larry Asante, S, Nebraska
138. Oakland Raiders — Shawn Luavao, G, Arizona State
139. Seattle Seahawks — Stafon Johnson, RB, USC
140. Buffalo Bills — Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson
141. Chicago Bears — Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
142. Kansas City Chiefs — Sam Young, OT, Notre Dame
143. Jacksonville Jaguars — Lindsey Witten, DE, Connecticut
144. Kansas City Chiefs — Jonathan Crompton, QB, Tennessee
145. Miami Dolphins — Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
146. Cleveland Browns — Blair White, WR, Michigan State
147. New York Giants — Sam Shields, CB, Miami (Florida)
148. Tennessee Titans — Levi Brown, QB, Troy
149. Atlanta Falcons — Ben Burney, CB, Colorado
150. Houston Texans — Emmanuel Sanders, WR, SMU
151. Pittsburgh Steelers— Ciron Black, OT/OG, LSU
152. Cincinnati Bengals— Shelley Smith, OG, Colorado State
153. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut
154. Green Bay Packers— LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
155. Pittsburgh Steelers—Joe Webb, WR/QB, UAB
156. Baltimore Ravens—Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU
157. Baltimore Ravens—Donovan Warren, CB/S, Michigan
158. Oakland Raiders—Danny Batten, DE, South Dakota State
159. San Diego Chargers— A.J. Jefferson, CB, Fresno State
160. Cleveland Browns — Andre Dixon, RB, Connecticut
161. Minnesota Vikings — Lonyae Miller, RB, Fresno State
162. Indianapolis Colts — Tony Moeaki, TE, Iowa
163. St. Louis Rams — Garrett Graham, TE, Wisconsin
164. Pittsburgh Steelers — Perry Riley, OLB, LSU
165. Atlanta Falcons — Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
166. Pittsburgh Steelers — Kurt Coleman, S, Ohio State
167. Minnesota Vikings — Micah Johnson, LB, Kentucky Highlights
168. San Diego Chargers — Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa
169. Green Bay Packers — Kevin Basped, DE, Nevada
Sixth round
170. St. Louis Rams—Charlie Tanner, OG, Texas
171. Atlanta Falcons—Colin Peek, TE, Alabama
172. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—O’Brien Schofield, DE/OLB, Wisconsin
173. Miami Dolphins—Phil Dillard, LB, Nebraska
174. Miami Dolphins—John “The Terminator” Conner, RB, Kentucky
175. Carolina Panthers—Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss
176. Seattle Seahawks—Alex Parsons, OG, USC
177. Cleveland Browns—Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia
178. Buffalo Bills—George Johnson, DE, Rutgers
179. Miami Dolphins—Levi Horn, OT, Montana
180. Jacksonville Jaguars—Myron Lewis, S, Vanderbilt
181. Chicago Bears—Josh Morris, CB, Weber State
182. San Francisco 49ers—J.D. Walton, C/G, Baylor
183. Denver Broncos—Nate Byham, TE, Pittsburgh
184. New York Giants—Javarris James, RB, Miami
185. Tennessee Titans—Jeremy Williams, WR, Tulane
186. Cleveland Browns—Darius Marshall, RB, Marshall
187. Houston Texans—Nolan Carroll, CB, Maryland
188. Pittsburgh Steelers—Andrew Quarless, TE, Penn State
189. Atlanta Falcons—Armanti Edwards, WR/QB, Applachian State
190. New England Patriots—Sean Lissemore, DT, William & Mary
191. Cincinnati Bengals—Keiland Williams, RB, LSU
192. Buffalo Bills—A.J. Edds, OLB/DE, Iowa
193. Green Bay Packers—Jason Fox, OT, Miami (Florida)
194. Baltimore Ravens—Boris Lee, LB, Troy
195. Arizona Cardinals—Darian Stewart, S, Mississippi State
196. Dallas Cowboys—Cole Pemberton, OT/OG, Colorado State
197. Houston Texans—Andrew Lewis, OG, Oklahoma State
198. New York Jets—R.J. Stanford, CB, Utah
199. Minnesota Vikings—Chris Brown, RB, Oklahoma
200. Philadelphia Eagles—Jeremy Horne-Murdock, WR, Massachusetts
201. New Orleans Saints—Travis Goethal, LB, Arizona State
202. Carolina Panthers—Ted Larsen, C/OG, North Carolina State
203. Jacksonville Jaguars—Albert McLellan, LB, Marshall
204. Carolina Panthers—Quentin Scott, S, Northern Iowa
205. New England Patriots—Dorian Brooks, OG, James Madison
206. San Francisco 49ers—Mike Neal, DT, Purdue
207. Tennessee Titans—Alfonso Smith, RB, Kentucky
Seventh round
208. St. Louis Rams—Vince Oghobasse, DT, Duk
209. Buffalo Bills—Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling Green
210. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Kyle Jolly, OT, North Carolina
211. Washington Redskins—Kyle Williams, WR, Arizona State
212. Miami Dolphins—Nate Collins, DT, Virginia
213. Detroit Lions—Willie Young, DE, North Carolina State
214. Detroit Lions—Vincent Rey, LB, Duke
215. Oakland Raiders—Mike Kafka, QB, Northwestern
216. Buffalo Bills—Joique Bell, RB, Wayne State
217. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Charles Scott, RB, LSU
218. Chicago Bears—James Ruffin, DE, Northern Iowa
219. Miami Dolphins—Aaron Morgan, DE, Louisiana-Monroe
220. Denver Broncos—Alex Joseph, LB, Temple
221. New York Giants—Nick Polk, S, Indiana
222. Tennessee Titans—George Selvie, DE, South Florida
223. Carolina Panthers—Cody Grimm, S, Virginia Tech
224. San Francisco 49ers—Shay Hodge, WR, Ole Miss
225. Pittsburgh Steelers—Brad Jones, CB, Cincinnati
226. St. Louis Rams—Kevin Haslem, OT, Rutgers
227. Houston Texans—Ramon Harewood, OT, Morehouse
228. Cincinnati Bengals—Jarrett Brown, QB, West Virginia
229. New England Patriots—Roy Upchurch, RB, Alabama
230. Green Bay Packers—Alex Henderson, RB, Northern Arizona
231. New England Patriots—Arthur Moats, OLB, James Madison
232. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Jonathon Amaya, FS, Nevada
233. Arizona Cardinals—Robert Johnson, S, Utah
234. Dallas Cowboys—Kavell Conner, LB, Clemson
235. San Diego Chargers—Sergio Render, OG, Virginia Tech
236. New York Jets—Deji Karim, RB, Southern Illinois
237. Minnesota Vikings—Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, Illinois
238. Indianapolis Colts—Cornelius Brown, CB, UTEP
239. New Orleans Saints—Rafael Priest, CB, TCU
240. Indianapolis Colts—Chris Maragos, S, Wisconsin
241. Tennessee Titans—Michael Greco, S, UCF
242. Pittsburgh Steelers—Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan
243. Philadelphia Eagles—Sean Canfield, QB, Oregon State
244. Philadelphia Eagles—Clay Harbor, RB, Missouri State
245. Seattle Seahawks—Rahim Allen, DE, LSU
246. Indianapolis Colts—Hall Davis, DE, Louisiana-Lafayette
247. New England Patriots—Chris Campbell, OT, Eastern Illinois
248. New England Patriots—Brandon Deaderick, DT, Alabama
249. Carolina Panthers—Jason Lamb, DE, Baylor
250. New England Patriots—Kerry Meier, WR, Kansas
251. Oakland Raiders—Trindon Holliday, RB/WR, LSU
252. Miami Dolphins—Matt Nichols, QB, Eastern Michigan
253. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Juamorris Stewart, WR, Southern
254. St. Louis Rams—Scott Sicko, TE, New Hampshire
255. Detroit Lions—Toddrick Pendland, RB, McNeese State