Bar-bq's 21/4/10 Three Round NFL Mock Draft

[Bar-bq]

This one will be my final one before draft day and I've increased it to three rounds in length. I like this one a lot for St. Louis as we land starters at QB, WR and DE in each round.

Not a great deal of changes from my 15/4 mock in the top ten to fifteen, but plenty thereafter that have direct implications on our Rams!

As always, if you're not too busy with your own, don't hesitate to tell me what you think!

ROUND ONE

1. St. Louis Rams- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
The Rams don't hesitate upon finding their Franchise signal caller.

2. Detroit Lions- Ndamkong Suh, DT, Nebraska
This Draft's best player falls into the lap of the Lions, much the same way as Calvin Johnson did two years ago. Look for the Lions to move on up in 2010.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Bucs grab some help up front. Though he's not the best DT in this class, McCoy is not far from it.

4. Washington Redskins- Russel Okung, OT, Oklahoma St
The Redskins protect the investment they made in McNabb by selecting the best OT available.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Kansas City continues to overhaul its OL, bringing in the versatile Bulaga to keep defenders away from Matt Cassel.

6. Seattle Seahawks- CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
Surprise! The Hawks pull the trigger on Clemson's playmaker early. With the apparent depth at OT this year, it makes a lot of sense to grab Spiller early.

7. Cleveland Browns- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Best safety out in a number of years falls conveniently to a team who really needs him. Clausen will be strongly considered.

8. Oakland Raiders- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Logic has to prevail at some point. I'm betting that this is the year the Raiders actually try to start winning games.

9. Buffalo Bills- Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
I don't think the Bills can afford to pass on a Franchise QB. They'll look for a replacement for Jason Peters in round two.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars- Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
The Jaguars need DE help and whilst Morgan isn't as sexy a pick as Pierre-Paul, I believe he's the more consistent player.

11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI)- Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
McLain looks like an ideal fit as a centrepiece for the Broncos defense. I thought hard about Bryant, but I highly doubt McDaniels replaces Marshall with his doppelganger.

12. Miami Dolphins- Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Ferguson is 36 and suspended for the beginning of the season. Look for Williams to make a leap up draft boards as the best NT in this class.

13. San Francisco *****- Joe Haden, CB, Florida
The Niners could use some help in the secondary and like Berry before him, Haden slips to a team where his talents will be utilized right away.

14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN)- Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
I think Davis is the better prospect at LT when compared to Campbell, despite his poor workouts. He'll provide blindside protection for Whitehurst in 2010 and beyond.

15. New York Giants- Jason Pierre-Paul, OLB/DE, South Florida
There's a great deal to think about here. Firstly, do you buy into the hype that the Giants FO are in love with JPP? Secondly, will they trade up for McClain? Personally, I think that a trade with the Jaguars makes a lot of sense, but seeing as I'm not making the projection, I'll buy into Pierre Paul as a replacement for Osi, who appears to be destined to be jettisoned.

16. Tennessee Titans- Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St
Bit of a reach here for Wilson, but I'm not sure how confident I am in Brandon Graham as an every-down 4-3 End. Wilson is the pick as his stock is on the rise.

17. San Francisco ***** (f/CAR)- Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho
San Fran now adds the versatile Iupati to bolster their OL. Look for him to start opposite Joe Staley eventually.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers- Maurkice Pouncey, OG/C, Florida
Great, versatile lineman who will wave the terrible towel from the Center position for a number of years.

19. Atlanta Falcons- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
Consider the Jamaal Anderson experiment over. The Falcons decide to turn over a new leaf with Graham.

20. Houston Texans- Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St
I've flip-flopped. Watch for Matthews to come in and compete with Steve Slaton for the starting job. They'll be a formidable 1-2 punch.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St.
The Bryant express stops at pick #21. Cincinnati are more than happy to add this class' best receiver.

22. New England Patriots- Jared Odrick, DE, Penn St
My favourite player in this year's draft falls to a team where he'll be a force instantly as a five-technique. The Patriots will get the most out of this hot commodity.

23. Green Bay Packers- Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas
Kampman wasn't suited to a 3-4. The explosive Kindle certainly is.

24. Philadelphia Eagles- Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Thomas falls farther than he should, but if all goes accordingly he'll be Brian Dawkins all over again in Philly.

25. Baltimore Ravens- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
After missing out on Odrick as a replacement fro Trevor Pryce, the Ravens grab Gresham to replace Todd Heap.

26. Arizona Cardinals- Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
The draft's bridesmaid in the Best LB Sweepstakes falls to Arizona to fill the void left by Karlos Dansby and his fat Miami paycheck.

27. Dallas Cowboys- Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Campbell falls a long way, but Dallas needs an OT and this workout Warrior looks like a solid projection.

28. San Diego Chargers- Terrene Cody, DT, Alabama
I strongly considered Best here, but in the end, I couldn't see Cody getting by Indianapolis, Kansas, Cleveland and Oakland to fall to San Diego in the second. I think it's much more likely that Best will.

29. New York Jets- Linval Joseph, DE, East Carolina
The Jets grab this fast riser as a future 5 Technique starter at DE.

30. Minnesota Vikings- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
I'm so impressed by McCoy I want my Rams to draft him after selecting Ndamukong Suh first overall. I think this is the ideal situation for McCoy and for the Vikings, who don't have a great deal of needs to address and could stand to let him sit for the year behind Favre.

31. Indianapolis Colts- Charles Brown, OT, USC
The Colts would like a DT, but it's a bit of a reach for Houston and OT is also a primary need. Tony Ugoh continues to disappoint.

32. New Orleans Saints- Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
A fearsome pass rusher with top 10 potential for the superbowl champs. They've turned Anthony Hargrove into a successful pro. Watch them do the same to Dunlap.

ROUND TWO

33. St. Louis Rams- Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech.
34. Detroit Lions- Devin McCourtney, CB, Rutgers
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Everson Griffen, DE, USC
36. Kansas City Chiefs- Taylor Mays, S, USC
37. Philadelphia Eagles (f/WAS)- Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
38. Cleveland Browns- Arrellious Benn, WR, Illinois
39. Oakland Raiders- LaMarr Houston, DT, Texas
40. San Diego Chargers (f/SEA)- Jhavid Best, RB, California
41. Buffalo Bills- Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (f/CHI)- Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
43. Denver Broncos (f/MIA)- Damian Williams, WR, USC
44. New England Patriots (f/JAX)- Jerry Hughes, OLB, Texas Christian University
45. Denver Broncos- Roger Saffold, OL, Indiana
46. New York Giants- Sean Lee, ILB, Penn St.
47. New England Patriots- Mardy Gillyard, WR, Cincinnati
48. Carolina Panthers- Brian Price, DT, UCLA
49. San Francisco *****- Nate Allen, S, USF
50. Kansas City Chiefs (f/ATL)- Donald Butler, ILB, Washington
51. Houston Texans- Chad Jones, S, LSU
52. Pittsburgh Steelers- Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State.
53. New England Patriots- Tony Gerhardt, RB, Stanford
54. Cincinnati Bengals- Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson
55. Philadelphia Eagles- Darryl Washington, OLB, TCU
56. Green Bay Packers- Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
57. Baltimore Ravens- Tyson Alualu, DE, California
58. Arizona Cardinals- Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami
59. Dallas Cowboys- Chris Cook, DB, Virginia
60. Seattle Seahawks (f/SD)- Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
61. New York Jets- Koa Misi, LB, Utah
62. Minnesota Vikings- Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
63. Indianapolis Colts- Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia
64. New Orleans Saints- Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina

ROUND THREE

65. St. Louis Rams- Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas St
66. Detroit Lions- Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech
68. Kansas City Chiefs- Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma St.
69. Oakland Raiders- Jon Jerry, OG, Ole Miss
70. Philadelphia Eagles- Jon Assamoah, OG, Illinois
71. Cleveland Browns- Tebow, Tim, QB, Florida
72. Buffalo Bills- Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
73. Miami Dolphins- Reshad Jones, FS, Georgia
74. Jacksonville Jaguars- Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa
75. Chicago Bears- Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
76. New York Giants- Dexter McCluster, RB/WR/KR, Ole Miss
77. Tennessee Titans- Jermaine Cunningham, DE, Flordia
78. Carolina Panthers- Taylor Price, WR, Ohio
79. San Francisco *****- Jason Worilds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech
80. Denver Broncos- Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina
81. Houston Texans- D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech
82. Pittsburgh Steelers- Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
83. Atlanta Falcons- Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State
84. Cincinnati Bengals- Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida
85. Cleveland Browns (f/OAK Through NE)- Brandon Daedrick, DE, Alabama
86. Green Bay Packers- Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
87. Philadelphia Eagles- Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
88. Arizona Cardinals (f/BAL)- Tony Washington, Abilene Christian
89. Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
90. Dallas Cowboys- Arthur Jones, DE, Syracuse
91. San Diego Chargers- Jason Fox, OT, Miami
92. Cleveland Browns (f/NYJ)- Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
93. Minnesota Vikings- Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee
94. Indianapolis Colts- Thaddeus Gibson, LB, Ohio St.
95. New Orleans Saints- Major Wright, S, Florida
96. Cincinnati Bengals- Larry Asante, S, Nebraska
97. Tennessee Titans- Mitch Petrus, OG, Arkansas
98. Atlanta Falcons- J.D. Walton, C, Baylor

AND THAT'S ALL, FOLKS! Happy Reading!

[shower beers]

Great mock! I think you went with a lot of picks that I was thinking long and hard about making myself, but for some reason or another just did not. In the interest of time, I'll just comment on the first round.

My first comment is with the Raiders at 8. You say that this year is the year they come to their senses, but people say that every year. The buzz right now is that they're high on Mike Iupati! I'll believe a sensical pick when I see it.

I like JPP to the Giants, which would probably mean that Osi is on his way out the door.

Kyle Wilson to Tennessee is also a very good pick. When you're signing Tye Hill in the offseason, you know CB is a pretty dire need.

It's difficult for me to see Gresham getting past Cincy and New England, both very TE needy teams.

I'm not sure that I see Joseph going that high either, but there always seems to be a team that drafts a guy nobody is picking to go in the first, so who knows.

I could go both ways with the Colt McCoy pick. One the one hand, drafting for the future makes a lot of sense for this team, especially at the quarterback position. On the other hand, this team could be one player away from getting over the hump and into the super bowl. Which way do they go?

Overall though, great mock!

[Bralidore(RAMMODE)]

Man im really not feeling the Thomas love. Why would we get a very unpolished project at 33? He has great size, decent hands, ok speed, poor acceleration, good blocking, abysmal route running (arguably the most important aspect in a west coast receiver). I would MUCH rather, if we go receiver, pick up Damian Williams. I'm wondering why he isn't getting any love on here. Great Hands, Elite route running, good speed, very agile YAC runner, he's the poster child for the west coast receiver at 6'1. Gresham if TE, Williams if WR, Graham/Perhaps Griffen if DE. I can't quantify picking Thomas at the top of the second. If we picked someone else at 33 and Thomas fell to 65 then certainly. I don't see how Thomas is good value at 33 at all.

[Bar-bq]

Man im really not feeling the Thomas love. Why would we get a very unpolished project at 33? He has great size, decent hands, ok speed, poor acceleration, good blocking, abysmal route running (arguably the most important aspect in a west coast receiver). I would MUCH rather, if we go receiver, pick up Damian Williams. I'm wondering why he isn't getting any love on here. Great Hands, Elite route running, good speed, very agile YAC runner, he's the poster child for the west coast receiver at 6'1. Gresham if TE, Williams if WR, Graham/Perhaps Griffen if DE. I can't quantify picking Thomas at the top of the second. If we picked someone else at 33 and Thomas fell to 65 then certainly. I don't see how Thomas is good value at 33 at all.

The thing with Thomas is that he projects to be a true #1 Receiver. He's been hurt and hasn't run, so I don't think that you can make a call on his speed at this point in time. His route running, I agree, needs work, but the ceiling is far higher for Thomas, in my opinion, than with Williams. Thomas and Bryant purport to be the only true #1 Receivers in this draft and in the end I think that if we're going for the high-ceiling player in Bradford over the more polished Notre Dame product, we might as well do the same with Thomas over the USC alum.

With Williams, what you see is more or less what you get: a possession receiver who would make a good #2. I personally think that Avery is destined for the slot role unless he can prove himself as a starter this year. In the slot, he'll get more coverage from LB's and Safeties putting his speed to better use. I can see the value of Williams in this situation, but IMO, we have Laurent Robinson and Brandon Gibson to audition for that role already. If we choose to take a DE/OT/TE/RB/DT in round 2, I can see Williams slipping a little, at least into trade-up range to the back of the second.

My first comment is with the Raiders at 8. You say that this year is the year they come to their senses, but people say that every year. The buzz right now is that they're high on Mike Iupati! I'll believe a sensical pick when I see it.

A boy can only dream, right ?

I like JPP to the Giants, which would probably mean that Osi is on his way out the door.

I maintain that I think they're highly likely to trade up. The Jags could use more picks and the Giants are maybe only a player or two away from a second Superbowl run. If they can give the Jags their 1, 3 and a conditional pick next year, I think it works out for everybody.

If they can't swing a trade, JPP is still my guy.

When you're signing Tye Hill in the offseason, you know CB is a pretty dire need.

Amen. If JPP is available I think they'll think long and hard, but Wilson is a pretty good consolation prize.

It's difficult for me to see Gresham getting past Cincy and New England, both very TE needy teams.

Again, I thought about it. It came down to the fact that I place a premium on Bryant and Odrick as better pros that Gresham.

I'm not sure that I see Joseph going that high either, but there always seems to be a team that drafts a guy nobody is picking to go in the first, so who knows.

I think they need a five technique and Joseph has been climbing the boards of late. I also considered CB there, Kareem Jackson was probably my go-to-guy.

I could go both ways with the Colt McCoy pick. One the one hand, drafting for the future makes a lot of sense for this team, especially at the quarterback position. On the other hand, this team could be one player away from getting over the hump and into the super bowl. Which way do they go?

I think if Clausen falls they'll think about making a move up the boards. Personally, I think they were in such dire straits at QB before Favre came along that they'll take the gutty leader to sit and watch before he's handed the reins.

[Damned Ramz]

ahhh you can warrent gresham making it past cinci and new england but not baltimore? lol getting closer at least.

nice mock man!

[Damned Ramz]

wow no love for gronkowski eh? don't like his wonky back or whats up?

[Bar-bq]

wow no love for gronkowski eh? don't like his wonky back or whats up?

I think Gronkowski will likely be drafted higher than he's projected. I think Arizona could use a pass catching TE and Gronk is good as a reciever, but doesn't project as an 'impact' player. I really considered him for us in the third but I couldn't bring myself to draft offense in every round of the first two days. It was really close though

[Torry Holt]

With Williams, what you see is more or less what you get: a possession receiver who would make a good #2. I personally think that Avery is destined for the slot role unless he can prove himself as a starter this year. In the slot, he'll get more coverage from LB's and Safeties putting his speed to better use. I can see the value of Williams in this situation, but IMO, we have Laurent Robinson and Brandon Gibson to audition for that role already.

I disagree. Williams is not a possession guy, he doesn't have elite speed but is very good after the catch, he is elusive, he can return punt effectively. I prefer a polished WR over a guy who can only run fade. Williams came from a pro offense and is the perfect fit for the WCO.

[Bar-bq]

I disagree. Williams is not a possession guy, he doesn't have elite speed but is very good after the catch, he is elusive, he can return punt effectively. I prefer a polished WR over a guy who can only run fade. Williams came from a pro offense and is the perfect fit for the WCO.

Don't get me wrong, I like Williams a lot and he'll be good in a WCO. He just doesn't scream Big Time Threat to me. His route running, as you say, is superb and I understand how valuable this makes him in a WCO. The other element of his game that shouldn't be discounted is his blocking. This is where Williams falters and Thomas stands out.

FWIW, here are some grabs I've pulled out on Williams to illustrate my case. The first is Scott Wright and the second Mocking the Draft.

Not particularly flashy and lacks star potential but a polished all-around wideout with adequate physical tools and superb intangibles --- Classic possession type who can thrive in a complimentary role --- Profiles as a #2 option in the NFL.

On the field, Williams led the Trojans offense in receving for two straight seasons as he proved to be a guy that can do it in a variety of ways. He is mainly a short-to-intermediate threat that runs impeccable routes and catches most passes near his body

In the interest of fairness, here are those same two sources on Thomas.

A very intriguing prospect and extremely impressive physical specimen but also carries considerable risk due to all of the projection that's involved in his evaluation --- Looks like a first round pick on paper and appears to have all of the physical tools that you look for --- Could potentially be a true #1 wideout at the next level.

If he had been playing in an NFL pro set offense, Thomas could be the most sought after receiver in this class. But because of his lack of experience running the full route tree and reading coverages, he is going to enter the league as a raw talent that needs a lot of coaching. The ceiling with this player is just as high as any receiver in this class, yet he will likely be available in the second round. Considering his strong work ethic and love for all aspects of the game, one has to believe that Thomas is going to mold himself in to a top flight receiver in the NFL. Once he learns the little details surrounding technique, he is going to be a legit number one receiver that can do it all.

[tomahawk247]

I do agree that Thomas has the potential to be a number 1 receiver, and if he is by far and away the best value at the top of the second then we should get him.

However, he is a project, and i think we have too many holes on this team to be drafting a guy that will probably have to sit a year to pick up the ins and outs of an nfl offense. We need a guy like James Laurinaitis who can come in and contribute right away.

I would prefer most of the players you have going directly after Thomas, such as McCourtney or Jackson at CB, Houston at DT, Griffin at DE, Benn and Tate at WR or even Ducasse at OT

I think if there is a team that loves Thomas, and there will be, and he is sat at the top of the second round as the best talent available, then i say we trade down. You can say that the Bucs, Lions, Chiefs, Browns and Bills all could benefit from another WR, and if they wanna move up for Thomas then we should certainly listen. Get them in a bidding war to move up for the WR and we could come out with a good deal.

[Bar-bq]

However, he is a project, and i think we have too many holes on this team to be drafting a guy that will probably have to sit a year to pick up the ins and outs of an nfl offense. We need a guy like James Laurinaitis who can come in and contribute right away.

Sam Bradford, anyone??

I think if there is a team that loves Thomas, and there will be, and he is sat at the top of the second round as the best talent available, then i say we trade down. You can say that the Bucs, Lions, Chiefs, Browns and Bills all could benefit from another WR, and if they wanna move up for Thomas then we should certainly listen. Get them in a bidding war to move up for the WR and we could come out with a good deal.

I can't say I disagree with your logic. There are an abundance of players worth our time at the top of the second and if we can acquire an extra pick in the process of acquiring one then then so be it. For my mind, Thomas is the best value and the best prospect at that point, barring a trade back.

[tomahawk247]

Hmm, ive just had a look around some of the most recent mocks and some of them have Thomas going as high as #12 to Miami!

Certainly i wouldnt be upset if we did take Thomas at the top of the second, but depending on who is available there may be other players i prefer. I'm just not sure because of the gimmicky offense that Georgia Tech run.

[Bar-bq]

Certainly i wouldnt be upset if we did take Thomas at the top of the second, but depending on who is available there may be other players i prefer. I'm just not sure because of the gimmicky offense that Georgia Tech run.

That's completely fair. It's worth noting that GA Tech was top to tails a run dominated football team last season.

[general counsel]

I dont know why anyone thinks Thomas is a project (anymore than any other rookie receiver is a project). A lot of people dont appreciate the numbers that Thomas put up in the context of being the ONLY recieving option on a team that rarely threw the ball. I went to every tech game this year and Thomas is a real playmaker with great ball skills, terrific blocking, great size and strenght. Josh Nesbitt, the tech qb, has absolutely no accuracy of any kind. Critcizing Thomas' route running is VERY unfair if you watch him play. He was open on virtually every route and he wondered off the route time and again because the ball was nowhere near where it was supposed to be most of the time.

This would be a great pick for the rams at 33 and i strongly doubt that he will be available at that point but would love to have him if he is.

As to the gimmicky tech offense, that point HURTS thomas, not helps him. His numbers in spite of the offense (including its terrible throwing qb) are what should be catching peoples attention.

ramming speed to all

general counsel