ESPN insider McShay's Mock - Page 3

L.A. Chieffan · 02-11-2010, 11:41 AM

More Okung. Berry to 7

Originally Published: February 10, 2010
O-line and D-line take over top 10
Updated top 10 includes only one skill player and one defensive back
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McShay By Todd McShay
ESPN.com
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Much has been made of the strength of the 2010 defensive tackle class, and the fact that the first two picks in Scouts Inc.'s latest first-round projection are defensive tackles is no surprise.

However, the offensive tackles are coming on strong, and we now project four offensive tackles to come off the board in the first eight picks. Add a pair of defensive ends to the players mentioned above, and you have eight linemen among the first 10 picks.

That leaves little room at the top for skill players and defensive backs, and some of the biggest names on our board have slipped significantly in our latest projection.

Here's how we see things shaking out now that the college all-star games are over and prospects are preparing for the upcoming NFL combine.

St. Louis Rams

Record: 1-15
Gerald McCoy*, DT, Oklahoma

The Rams have a poor track record when it comes to drafting defensive linemen early, and now they have a tough choice to make between the stronger, more instinctive Ndamukong Suh and the quicker, more disruptive McCoy. Coach Steve Spagnuolo is looking for defensive linemen who can penetrate, which is why we think McCoy could be the top overall pick.
Detroit Lions

Record: 2-14
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

The Lions will gladly take Suh here. He won't provide the pass-rush production of McCoy, but he is a force versus the run and he consistently disrupts passing windows thanks to his excellent instincts and long arms.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 3-13
Jason Pierre-Paul*, DE, South Florida

The Bucs will consider Tennessee S Eric Berry here, but they are in dire need of a speed rusher and Pierre-Paul is the most explosive one this draft class has to offer.
Washington Redskins

Record: 4-12
Anthony Davis*, OT, Rutgers

Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford has enough physical and mental tools to develop into a good NFL starter eventually. However, he also enters the league with enough question marks (shoulder injury, spread offensive system, etc.) for a team like the Redskins to pass and fill one of several other holes. Solidifying its offensive line should be Washington's top priority, and Davis is the most naturally gifted tackle in this year's deep group. Two other options at tackle are Russell Okung (Oklahoma State) and Bryan Bulaga (Iowa).
Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 4-12
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Berry could make a huge impact in the Chiefs' secondary as well, but Kansas City has too much work still to do at core positions to spend No. 5 money on a safety. The offensive line needs to be solidified, and that could happen by bringing in Okung, who has a quick first step, good power and a mean streak.
Seattle Seahawks

Record: 5-11
Bryan Bulaga*, OT, Iowa

Look for Seattle to pass on a quarterback in the top 10 for the second straight year. Finding a replacement for Walter Jones at left tackle is the more immediate need, and the team will get a safer prospect there than at quarterback. Bulaga still has room to improve in pass protection, but he displays the feet and balance to develop into a very good overall starting left tackle in the NFL.
Cleveland Browns

Record: 5-11
Eric Berry*, S, Tennessee

Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant will be tough to pass up here, but the Browns did spend a pair of second-round picks on WRs Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi last year. Berry has the talent and experience to make the kind of impact for the Browns that perennial Pro Bowler Ed Reed made for the Ravens early in his career.
Oakland Raiders

Record: 5-11
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Considering the team has used high draft picks on a quarterback (JaMarcus Russell), running back (Darren McFadden) and wide receiver (Darrius Heyward-Bey) in recent years, it would make sense to shift the focus to the offensive line this April. Both of the Raiders' starting offensive tackles (Mario Henderson and Cornell Green) are below average, and Williams has the physical tools and toughness to provide an upgrade at one of those two spots immediately.
Buffalo Bills

Record: 6-11
Sam Bradford*, QB, Oklahoma

Offensive tackle and quarterback are chief among the Bills' needs, and they should draft a tackle if Davis, Okung or Bulaga is available. This scenario has them selecting the top quarterback prospect in the 2010 class, though. Bradford is a bit of a project because of his slight frame and the spread system he played in at Oklahoma, but he has the football intelligence and accuracy to be molded into a good starter in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars**

Record: 7-9
Derrick Morgan*, DE, Georgia Tech

Morgan will not wow scouts with his results at the combine, but he is a high-motor, technically sound player who can pressure the quarterback and set the edge against the run. He has the physical tools to develop into a good every-down starter at the next level.
Denver Broncos** (from 7-9 Chicago)

Record: 6-7
Dez Bryant*, WR, Oklahoma State

Denver still has needs along its offensive and defensive fronts as well as in the secondary, but it will be tough to pass on the clear-cut No. 1 wideout in this year's class should Bryant fall to the Broncos.
Miami Dolphins

Record: 7-9
Rolando McClain*, ILB, Alabama

Bryant falling to No. 12 would be a dream scenario for the Dolphins, but if he is off the board, look for Miami to target a top talent in the defensive front seven. McClain is NFL-ready with the size, straight-line speed and work ethic to win a starting inside linebacker job immediately.
San Francisco 49ers

Record: 8-8
Joe Haden*, CB, Florida

The 49ers could go in several directions with this pick, including quarterback, offensive line or a pass-rusher, but they wouldn't go wrong taking a top-10 skill player like Haden at this spot.
Seattle Seahawks (from 8-8 Denver)

Record: 5-11
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen might be a possibility here, but we do not believe he's worthy of a first-round selection. After finding a left tackle at No. 6, it would make sense for the Seahawks to use this pick on a difference-maker like Spiller. Running backs generally are not worth drafting this high, but Spiller has additional value due to his home run ability as a receiver and return man.
New York Giants

Record: 8-8
Brian Price*, DT, UCLA

The Giants need to retool the middle of their defense, and Price would be a good player to start with. He possesses the quickness and power to develop into a disruptive playmaker who can get into opposing backfields.
San Francisco** (from 8-8 Carolina)

Record: 8-8
Mike Iupati, OT/G, Idaho

Iupati is a fast-rising guard/right tackle prospect who is strong and nasty and would fit in nicely with coach Mike Singletary's hard-nosed brand of football.
Tennessee Titans**

Record: 8-8
Carlos Dunlap*, DE, Florida

Dunlap is a bit immature and there are questions about his work ethic, but he also possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism for a defensive end. The Titans have enough veteran leadership on that side of the ball to pull the trigger here on a developmental project like Dunlap.
Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 9-7
Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

The Steelers would like to use this pick on a top offensive line prospect like Iupati or Trent Williams, but with both off the board, they will avoid reaching for another offensive lineman. They also will avoid stretching for a tackle like Maryland's Bruce Campbell to go for value with Dan Williams, who has the size and strength to develop into the eventual replacement for NT Casey Hampton, who is set to become a free agent.
Atlanta Falcons**

Record: 9-7
Kareem Jackson*, CB, Alabama

The Falcons need to improve their secondary talent after getting shredded through the air this past season. Jackson is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2010 class, and has the size, agility and balance to hold up in bump-and-run coverage on the perimeter. Plus, Jackson's instincts and technique are outstanding, so he should be ready to play as a rookie despite leaving school a year early.
Houston Texans**

Record: 9-7
Earl Thomas*, S, Texas

Thomas is undersized but physical enough to play safety in the NFL if used properly. Regardless, he's one of the three most talented defensive backs in the 2010 class, and the Texans could use an upgrade at both free safety and cornerback, so Thomas is a fit no matter where he ends up playing.
Cincinnati Bengals

Record:10-6
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

The Bengals are likely to use an early-round selection on a tight end, and while Gresham is a risk due to knee injuries (torn left ACL in high school, season-ending cartilage damage to right knee in 2009), his combination of size and athleticism is rare and he can stretch the seam effectively.
New England Patriots

Record: 10-6
Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

Graham is a bit undersized to play a traditional defensive end role, and he does not have the ideal athleticism you want in an outside linebacker. If used properly, though, Graham can excel in the NFL, and he appears to be in Bill Belichick's wheelhouse with his nonstop motor, excellent technique and good overall football intelligence.
Green Bay Packers

Record: 11-5
Bruce Campbell*, OT, Maryland

Campbell will turn some heads with his performance at the combine. However, while he might have the best combination of physical tools in this year's offensive tackle class, we expect Campbell to slip to the bottom half of the first round due to injury concerns and below-average technique.
Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 11-5
Taylor Mays, S, USC

The Eagles need a replacement for the physical presence former defensive leader Brian Dawkins took with him when he left for Denver. Mays is a bit of a liability in deep coverage and he needs to learn to wrap up more consistently as a tackler, but it is hard to imagine a player with his combination of size, straight-line speed and explosive hitting falling out of the first round.
Baltimore Ravens

Record: 9-7
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

Wilson is a fast-rising prospect after showcasing his upper-echelon bump-and-run coverage skills at the Senior Bowl. A cornerback-needy team like the Ravens could easily pull the trigger on Wilson late in the first round.
Arizona Cardinals

Record: 10-6
Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas

Kindle is a bit overrated, but we do think he is worth a pick at this point in the first round. The Cardinals could put him to work as a situational edge rusher early in his career while he works on getting bigger and stronger in order to hold up better versus the run.
Dallas Cowboys

Record: 11-5
Nate Allen, S, South Florida

Allen is far from a first-round lock, but the Cowboys need to improve their athleticism at safety, and Allen has the right combination of speed and fluidity in coverage to help fix the problem.
San Diego Chargers

Record: 13-3
Jahvid Best*, RB, California

Best's draft stock could take a big hit depending on how the medical reports (back/neck, concussion) from the combine look. Assuming he checks out, Best likely will be high on the Chargers' board, along with Dan Williams, fellow RBs Ryan Mathews (Fresno State) and Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech), and DT/DE Jared Odrick (Penn State). A healthy Best gets the nod thanks to his game-breaking speed.
New York Jets

Record: 9-7
Arrelious Benn*, WR, Illinois

The Jets need perimeter weapons for QB Mark Sanchez to throw to, and Benn is a better prospect than his 2009 production might indicate. He played through a nagging ankle injury and his quarterback was inconsistent, but Benn shows good initial burst and the ability to generate yards after the catch. Still, he needs to be more consistent catching the ball away from his body and must become a more savvy route runner.
Minnesota Vikings

Record: 12-4
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

The Vikings have proved they will take the best player available on the board, and in this scenario, Odrick fits the bill and would be groomed as an eventual replacement for aging DT Pat Williams. Other possibilities include Clausen, ILB Brandon Spikes (Florida), TE Anthony McCoy (USC) and C/G Maurkice Pouncey (Florida).
Indianapolis Colts

Record: 14-2
Maurkice Pouncey*, OL, Florida

Odrick would make sense if he was still on the board, or the Colts could reach for an athletic offensive tackle like USC's Charles Brown. But Pouncey is a gifted interior lineman with the quick feet, versatility and football intelligence to help the Colts solidify their interior offensive line.
New Orleans Saints

Record: 13-3
Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

Weatherspoon is expected to turn some heads at the combine with his speed, and we're hearing that some teams grade him out as a mid-first-round pick. We're not quite as high on Weatherspoon because we question his ability to play in space, but the Super Bowl champs are expected to focus on upgrading the speed and athleticism of their defense, and Weatherspoon fits the mold.

Brock · 02-12-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

The jury is still out on Sanchez. He had 1 good game in the playoffs and everyone forgets about the rest of the shit season and playoff games he had.

He's a rookie who played better the bigger the games got. The jury might be out, but it looks to me like the verdict is going to be he's probably pretty good.

BigCatDaddy · 02-12-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

He's a rookie who played better the bigger the games got. The jury might be out, but it looks to me like the verdict is going to be he's probably pretty good.

I need to see better then a QB rating of 63 for a year before I can go that far, but he did play well against the Colts, and didn't screw up the game against the Bengals. I'll give you that.

Chiefnj2 · 02-12-2010, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

I need to see better then a QB rating of 63 for a year before I can go that far, but he did play well against the Colts, and didn't screw up the game against the Bengals. I'll give you that.

If he was on KC Sanchez would have a rating of around 50. No great defense, no running game for 3/4 of the season and league leading dropped passes. This team would have gotten him killed - physically and mentally.

BigCatDaddy · 02-12-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

If he was on KC Sanchez would have a rating of around 50. No great defense, no running game for 3/4 of the season and league leading dropped passes. This team would have gotten him killed - physically and mentally.

Right, he had one of the best defenses and running games in the NFL, so in theory this season should have been easier for him then your typical rookie QB like Stafford.

Chiefnj2 · 02-12-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

Right, he had one of the best defenses and running games in the NFL, so in theory this season should have been easier for him then your typical rookie QB like Stafford.

I'm not saying it should have been easy. He played well at the end when it counted. I just think KC could have easily ruined him.

From a coaching and GM approach, what Haley and Pioli did the team was inexcusable. Scrap the system a week before the season starts. Trade away the only reliable pass catcher. Rotating receivers. No QB would have succeeded.

T-post Tom · 02-12-2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnowMo2724

..best receiving TE, the best RT in the NFL,...

Really?

And as for silly excuses: scoreboard.

**Kyle DeLexus** · 02-12-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

I need to see better then a QB rating of 63 for a year before I can go that far, but he did play well against the Colts, and didn't screw up the game against the Bengals. I'll give you that.

In all honesty, he should have been sitting this year in the first place. If you go back and look at all the guys wanting to pick Sanchez, most of them wanted to draft him and sit him for a year behind a vet.

He wasn't ready to be a starter like most rookie QB's aren't, but he did show his potential to be very good.

BigCatDaddy · 02-12-2010, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle DeLexus

In all honesty, he should have been sitting this year in the first place. If you go back and look at all the guys wanting to pick Sanchez, most of them wanted to draft him and sit him for a year behind a vet.

He wasn't ready to be a starter like most rookie QB's aren't, but he did show his potential to be very good.

He had moments like all QB's do where they look good and I'm not saying he won't be good. But you can't look at what he did this year and say "Yeah, we F'd up for not taking this kid". Maybe in a few years you can say that, but not based of his total body of work for the 2009 season.

Quesadilla Joe · 02-12-2010, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

well, um, yeah....Sanchez would have been the answer..but we passed...

I don't see Sanchez being a Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, or a 2007 Tom Brady or anything when he fully develops. Their will be QB's of Sanchez's ceiling in every single draft. I don't think you missed out on a once in a decade QB or anything.

Quesadilla Joe · 02-12-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-post Tom

Really?

And as for silly excuses: scoreboard.

I meant the Broncos' best receiving TE. Scheffler is no Gates, Tony G, or Dallas Clark. And a lot of people will tell you that Ryan Harris is the best RT in the NFL. Losing him midway through the season was a HUGE loss.

**Kyle DeLexus** · 02-12-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnowMo2724

I meant the Broncos' best receiving TE. Scheffler is no Gates, Tony G, or Dallas Clark. And a lot of people will tell you that Ryan Harris is the best RT in the NFL. Losing him midway through the season was a HUGE loss.

Yeah I suppose if you talk to a lot of Donk fans.

BigCatDaddy · 02-12-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnowMo2724

I don't see Sanchez being a Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, or a 2007 Tom Brady or anything when he fully develops. Their will be QB's of Sanchez's ceiling in every single draft. I don't think you missed out on a once in a decade QB or anything.

I'm going to have to rethink my position because I agree with Knowshit again. I'm seeing Sanchez as probably someone that will be in the mid 80's passer rating for his prime years, about 3000 yards throwing, 60% comp, 25-15 TD/INT ratio, maybe have a great year and get to a probowl or two. I'm bascially seeing Matt Hasselbeck.

**Kyle DeLexus** · 02-12-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

He had moments like all QB's do where they look good and I'm not saying he won't be good. But you can't look at what he did this year and say "Yeah, we F'd up for not taking this kid". Maybe in a few years you can say that, but not based of his total body of work for the 2009 season.

Don't get me wrong, I agree you can't base that off of his season. Yet you can base it off of his potential that he's had all along, his ceiling is WAY higher than Cassel's yet we went with Cassel because he could manage a top 5 offense.

Cue knowshit to quote some out of work scout's twitter page to argue for him.

BigCatDaddy · 02-12-2010, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle DeLexus

Don't get me wrong, I agree you can't base that off of his season. Yet you can base it off of his potential that he's had all along, his ceiling is WAY higher than Cassel's yet we went with Cassel because he could manage a top 5 offense.

Cue knowshit to quote some out of work scout's twitter page to argue for him.

I don't think you can make that assumption yet. Sanchez has much more to work with then Cassel. Surround Cassell with better talent then we can determine what his ceiling is. We forget how bad Trent was until they got some talent around him.

**Kyle DeLexus** · 02-12-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

I'm going to have to rethink my position because I agree with Knowshit again. I'm seeing Sanchez as probably someone that will be in the mid 80's passer rating for his prime years, about 3000 yards throwing, 60% comp, 25-15 TD/INT ratio, maybe have a great year and get to a probowl or two. I'm bascially seeing Matt Hasselbeck.

Really I believe he'll be a good QB, with stats that are a little better than you went with, he probably won't have elite Manning/Brady numbers. I do think we screwed up by not taking him because I believe he will be clutch. He seems to play his best in big games. Once he develops, I think he'll look a lot like Manning/Brady in the 4th quarter (minus this past SB). I know it's just my opinion right now, but I truly see him as a pressure situation QB.

02-11-2010, 11:41 AM
L.A. Chieffan PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: American Gardens Building Casino cash: $2688654	ESPN insider McShay's Mock More Okung. Berry to 7 Originally Published: February 10, 2010 O-line and D-line take over top 10 Updated top 10 includes only one skill player and one defensive back Comment Email Print Share McShay By Todd McShay ESPN.com Archive Much has been made of the strength of the 2010 defensive tackle class, and the fact that the first two picks in Scouts Inc.'s latest first-round projection are defensive tackles is no surprise. However, the offensive tackles are coming on strong, and we now project four offensive tackles to come off the board in the first eight picks. Add a pair of defensive ends to the players mentioned above, and you have eight linemen among the first 10 picks. That leaves little room at the top for skill players and defensive backs, and some of the biggest names on our board have slipped significantly in our latest projection. Here's how we see things shaking out now that the college all-star games are over and prospects are preparing for the upcoming NFL combine. St. Louis Rams Record: 1-15 Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma The Rams have a poor track record when it comes to drafting defensive linemen early, and now they have a tough choice to make between the stronger, more instinctive Ndamukong Suh and the quicker, more disruptive McCoy. Coach Steve Spagnuolo is looking for defensive linemen who can penetrate, which is why we think McCoy could be the top overall pick. Detroit Lions Record: 2-14 Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska The Lions will gladly take Suh here. He won't provide the pass-rush production of McCoy, but he is a force versus the run and he consistently disrupts passing windows thanks to his excellent instincts and long arms. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Record: 3-13 Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida The Bucs will consider Tennessee S Eric Berry here, but they are in dire need of a speed rusher and Pierre-Paul is the most explosive one this draft class has to offer. Washington Redskins Record: 4-12 Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford has enough physical and mental tools to develop into a good NFL starter eventually. However, he also enters the league with enough question marks (shoulder injury, spread offensive system, etc.) for a team like the Redskins to pass and fill one of several other holes. Solidifying its offensive line should be Washington's top priority, and Davis is the most naturally gifted tackle in this year's deep group. Two other options at tackle are Russell Okung (Oklahoma State) and Bryan Bulaga (Iowa). Kansas City Chiefs Record: 4-12 Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State Berry could make a huge impact in the Chiefs' secondary as well, but Kansas City has too much work still to do at core positions to spend No. 5 money on a safety. The offensive line needs to be solidified, and that could happen by bringing in Okung, who has a quick first step, good power and a mean streak. Seattle Seahawks Record: 5-11 Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa Look for Seattle to pass on a quarterback in the top 10 for the second straight year. Finding a replacement for Walter Jones at left tackle is the more immediate need, and the team will get a safer prospect there than at quarterback. Bulaga still has room to improve in pass protection, but he displays the feet and balance to develop into a very good overall starting left tackle in the NFL. Cleveland Browns Record: 5-11 Eric Berry, S, Tennessee Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant will be tough to pass up here, but the Browns did spend a pair of second-round picks on WRs Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi last year. Berry has the talent and experience to make the kind of impact for the Browns that perennial Pro Bowler Ed Reed made for the Ravens early in his career. Oakland Raiders Record: 5-11 Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma Considering the team has used high draft picks on a quarterback (JaMarcus Russell), running back (Darren McFadden) and wide receiver (Darrius Heyward-Bey) in recent years, it would make sense to shift the focus to the offensive line this April. Both of the Raiders' starting offensive tackles (Mario Henderson and Cornell Green) are below average, and Williams has the physical tools and toughness to provide an upgrade at one of those two spots immediately. Buffalo Bills Record: 6-11 Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma Offensive tackle and quarterback are chief among the Bills' needs, and they should draft a tackle if Davis, Okung or Bulaga is available. This scenario has them selecting the top quarterback prospect in the 2010 class, though. Bradford is a bit of a project because of his slight frame and the spread system he played in at Oklahoma, but he has the football intelligence and accuracy to be molded into a good starter in the NFL. Jacksonville Jaguars** Record: 7-9 Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech Morgan will not wow scouts with his results at the combine, but he is a high-motor, technically sound player who can pressure the quarterback and set the edge against the run. He has the physical tools to develop into a good every-down starter at the next level. Denver Broncos* (from 7-9 Chicago) Record: 6-7 Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State Denver still has needs along its offensive and defensive fronts as well as in the secondary, but it will be tough to pass on the clear-cut No. 1 wideout in this year's class should Bryant fall to the Broncos. Miami Dolphins Record: 7-9 Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama Bryant falling to No. 12 would be a dream scenario for the Dolphins, but if he is off the board, look for Miami to target a top talent in the defensive front seven. McClain is NFL-ready with the size, straight-line speed and work ethic to win a starting inside linebacker job immediately. San Francisco 49ers Record: 8-8 Joe Haden, CB, Florida The 49ers could go in several directions with this pick, including quarterback, offensive line or a pass-rusher, but they wouldn't go wrong taking a top-10 skill player like Haden at this spot. Seattle Seahawks (from 8-8 Denver) Record: 5-11 C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen might be a possibility here, but we do not believe he's worthy of a first-round selection. After finding a left tackle at No. 6, it would make sense for the Seahawks to use this pick on a difference-maker like Spiller. Running backs generally are not worth drafting this high, but Spiller has additional value due to his home run ability as a receiver and return man. New York Giants Record: 8-8 Brian Price, DT, UCLA The Giants need to retool the middle of their defense, and Price would be a good player to start with. He possesses the quickness and power to develop into a disruptive playmaker who can get into opposing backfields. San Francisco (from 8-8 Carolina) Record: 8-8 Mike Iupati, OT/G, Idaho Iupati is a fast-rising guard/right tackle prospect who is strong and nasty and would fit in nicely with coach Mike Singletary's hard-nosed brand of football. Tennessee Titans Record: 8-8 Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida Dunlap is a bit immature and there are questions about his work ethic, but he also possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism for a defensive end. The Titans have enough veteran leadership on that side of the ball to pull the trigger here on a developmental project like Dunlap. Pittsburgh Steelers Record: 9-7 Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee The Steelers would like to use this pick on a top offensive line prospect like Iupati or Trent Williams, but with both off the board, they will avoid reaching for another offensive lineman. They also will avoid stretching for a tackle like Maryland's Bruce Campbell to go for value with Dan Williams, who has the size and strength to develop into the eventual replacement for NT Casey Hampton, who is set to become a free agent. Atlanta Falcons* Record: 9-7 Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama The Falcons need to improve their secondary talent after getting shredded through the air this past season. Jackson is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2010 class, and has the size, agility and balance to hold up in bump-and-run coverage on the perimeter. Plus, Jackson's instincts and technique are outstanding, so he should be ready to play as a rookie despite leaving school a year early. Houston Texans* Record: 9-7 Earl Thomas, S, Texas Thomas is undersized but physical enough to play safety in the NFL if used properly. Regardless, he's one of the three most talented defensive backs in the 2010 class, and the Texans could use an upgrade at both free safety and cornerback, so Thomas is a fit no matter where he ends up playing. Cincinnati Bengals Record:10-6 Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma The Bengals are likely to use an early-round selection on a tight end, and while Gresham is a risk due to knee injuries (torn left ACL in high school, season-ending cartilage damage to right knee in 2009), his combination of size and athleticism is rare and he can stretch the seam effectively. New England Patriots Record: 10-6 Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan Graham is a bit undersized to play a traditional defensive end role, and he does not have the ideal athleticism you want in an outside linebacker. If used properly, though, Graham can excel in the NFL, and he appears to be in Bill Belichick's wheelhouse with his nonstop motor, excellent technique and good overall football intelligence. Green Bay Packers Record: 11-5 Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland Campbell will turn some heads with his performance at the combine. However, while he might have the best combination of physical tools in this year's offensive tackle class, we expect Campbell to slip to the bottom half of the first round due to injury concerns and below-average technique. Philadelphia Eagles Record: 11-5 Taylor Mays, S, USC The Eagles need a replacement for the physical presence former defensive leader Brian Dawkins took with him when he left for Denver. Mays is a bit of a liability in deep coverage and he needs to learn to wrap up more consistently as a tackler, but it is hard to imagine a player with his combination of size, straight-line speed and explosive hitting falling out of the first round. Baltimore Ravens Record: 9-7 Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State Wilson is a fast-rising prospect after showcasing his upper-echelon bump-and-run coverage skills at the Senior Bowl. A cornerback-needy team like the Ravens could easily pull the trigger on Wilson late in the first round. Arizona Cardinals Record: 10-6 Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas Kindle is a bit overrated, but we do think he is worth a pick at this point in the first round. The Cardinals could put him to work as a situational edge rusher early in his career while he works on getting bigger and stronger in order to hold up better versus the run. Dallas Cowboys Record: 11-5 Nate Allen, S, South Florida Allen is far from a first-round lock, but the Cowboys need to improve their athleticism at safety, and Allen has the right combination of speed and fluidity in coverage to help fix the problem. San Diego Chargers Record: 13-3 Jahvid Best, RB, California Best's draft stock could take a big hit depending on how the medical reports (back/neck, concussion) from the combine look. Assuming he checks out, Best likely will be high on the Chargers' board, along with Dan Williams, fellow RBs Ryan Mathews (Fresno State) and Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech), and DT/DE Jared Odrick (Penn State). A healthy Best gets the nod thanks to his game-breaking speed. New York Jets Record: 9-7 Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois The Jets need perimeter weapons for QB Mark Sanchez to throw to, and Benn is a better prospect than his 2009 production might indicate. He played through a nagging ankle injury and his quarterback was inconsistent, but Benn shows good initial burst and the ability to generate yards after the catch. Still, he needs to be more consistent catching the ball away from his body and must become a more savvy route runner. Minnesota Vikings Record: 12-4 Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State The Vikings have proved they will take the best player available on the board, and in this scenario, Odrick fits the bill and would be groomed as an eventual replacement for aging DT Pat Williams. Other possibilities include Clausen, ILB Brandon Spikes (Florida), TE Anthony McCoy (USC) and C/G Maurkice Pouncey (Florida). Indianapolis Colts Record: 14-2 Maurkice Pouncey*, OL, Florida Odrick would make sense if he was still on the board, or the Colts could reach for an athletic offensive tackle like USC's Charles Brown. But Pouncey is a gifted interior lineman with the quick feet, versatility and football intelligence to help the Colts solidify their interior offensive line. New Orleans Saints Record: 13-3 Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri Weatherspoon is expected to turn some heads at the combine with his speed, and we're hearing that some teams grade him out as a mid-first-round pick. We're not quite as high on Weatherspoon because we question his ability to play in space, but the Super Bowl champs are expected to focus on upgrading the speed and athleticism of their defense, and Weatherspoon fits the mold.
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