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I decided to glue myself to the office chair last night and this morning to pump out a pre-Combine mock draft, including a full seven-round Rams mock as well. A few things have changed since my last mock, which I believe was pre-Senior Bowl. Feedback is always welcome, enjoy!!
ROUND ONE
1. St. Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
-So far, nothing has changed from the final weeks of the college football season in my eyes. Ndamukong Suh is still the best player in this class, I think he’s still ranked ahead of McCoy, and I don’t think either quarterback has closed the gap enough to make them strong considerations here. Medical tests and pro days may change that, but right now, I still think Suh is the best pick here.
2. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
-Detroit is in a great position, because with a giant need on the interior of the defensive line, they’re going to get either Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy. If the Rams elect to take a quarterback, then Suh falls to Detroit. If Suh goes first overall, then the Lions still get a great prospect in McCoy, whose skills as a disruptive lineman will be maximized under head coach Jim Schwartz.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
-Say what?! There’s been a lot of buzz in the past couple of days that suggests the Buccaneers may be eyeing South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul if they can’t land one of the defensive tackles. Tennessee’s Eric Berry likely carries a higher grade, but safety doesn’t have the positional value that a pass rusher does. Some see JPP as having Mario Williams potential.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
-No quarterback? Well, I still contend that Sam Bradford makes a lot of sense here if his doctor, who also works for the Redskins, gives him a clean bill of health. But I think Chris Samuels’s health makes the left tackle position a big concern for this organization, as the Redskins are reportedly moving forward as if Samuels will not be returning to the club. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if a tackle is taken here over a signal caller.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee
-A surprise move by the Buccaneers really works out well for the Chiefs, who find Tennessee’s Eric Berry sitting in their laps in this scenario. You can’t tell me the Chiefs couldn’t use a safety of Berry’s caliber, because current safeties Jon McGraw and Mike Brown are nothing to write home about. If Kansas City was so inclined, they could even try to plug Berry in at cornerback opposite of Brandon Flowers.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
-Based on what the new Seahawks coaching staff is saying, it sounds as if Matt Hasselbeck will probably be back under center. But that doesn’t mean they can ignore the future of the quarterback position. Bradford’s shoulder is a concern, but with Hasselbeck on the roster, he won’t be rushed into action. His decision making and accuracy should be valuable commodities in Seattle’s offensive scheme.
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
-Florida’s Joe Haden could potentially go higher than this, but it’s hard to imagine Cleveland passing on him if he’s available at the seven-spot. The Browns feel they have a quality starter in Eric Wright, but there’s not much else in that secondary to write home about. Haden could step in on Day One and be an immediate upgrade in the starting line-up.
8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
-It seems like every year, someone is trying to figure out what kind of crazy pick the Oakland Raiders will make. It’ll be tough to surpass last year’s draft of Darius Heyward-Bey and Michael Mitchell. If Pierre-Paul were still on the board, he’d be a contender. But for the moment, I’m mocking Rutgers OT Anthony Davis to Oakland, whom some would argue is actually the top tackle in this year’s class. Could the Raiders finally be making a good pick? Time will tell.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
-The Bills really would have loved to see one of the top two offensive tackles fall here. Between Demetrius Bell’s torn ACL and the abrupt retirement of Brad Butler, this team is desperate for help at the tackle position. But based on the board, the value isn’t great now. Instead, Jimmy Clausen could be an enticing pick as Buffalo tries to move past the era of Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
-Like Oakland, the Jacksonville Jaguars are another team where Pierre-Paul would have made sense, given the Florida connections. But I think the Jaguars, who finished dead last in the league with only 14 sacks last season, would be more than content to pull the trigger on Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan, who isn’t the massive boom-or-bust prospect that JPP is.
11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
-I believe I mocked Bryant to the Broncos back in December, only to mock him to the Jags a pick earlier in my pre-Senior Bowl mock. With Jacksonville taking Morgan instead this go-round, I’m giving the Broncos the best receiver in this class once more. Considering Brandon Marshall is unlikely to be on the Broncos’ 2010 roster, replacing him with a prospect of Bryant’s caliber is a smart move.
12. Miami Dolphins: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
-There are some who feel Alabama’s Rolando McClain could go as high as the fifth overall pick to Kansas City. While I certainly think that’s possible, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see McClain fall out of the top ten entirely. Of course, he won’t fall very far, as I’d imagine Miami would be chomping at the bit to take him and pair him with Channing Crowder on the inside of their 3-4 defense.
13. San Francisco *****: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
-An article in today’s Santa Rosa Press Democrat cited San Francisco right tackle Adam Snyder as the team’s worst offensive lineman in 2009 in terms of sacks allowed. It’s no secret that the ***** would like to find an upgrade at right tackle, after failing to address the position with the signings of Marvel Smith and Tony Pashos. Oklahoma’s Trent Williams would be a great fit for them here.
14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
-An offensive tackle like Brian Bulaga is very, very tempting here, as the long-term future of Walter Jones is up in the air right now. That being said, the Seahawks may still feel they have a potential replacement in Sean Locklear, and new head coach Pete Carroll is going to need to find more playmakers on offense if he expects his newly-drafted young quarterback to be successful.
15. New York Giants: Earl Thomas, DB, Texas
-While I think an interior defensive lineman like Brian Price would make a lot of sense here, I wouldn’t rule out an addition to the secondary. Texas defensive back Earl Thomas has the versatility to play either cornerback or safety, which would allow the Giants to figure out where they’d like to play fellow Longhorn Aaron Ross and then plug Thomas in accordingly.
16. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
-This really feels too high for Dunlap at this point, but I think the Florida defensive end is entering a part of the offseason process where he’s likely going to impress some people and help his stock a bit. The Titans aren’t going to break the bank to keep Kyle Vanden Bosch around any longer, so they may look to the draft to fill that hole. Dunlap’s talent may be worth the risk, if Tennessee thinks they can get him to play up to it consistently.
17. San Francisco ***** (f/CAR): Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
-After using their first first-round pick on the offensive side of the ball, the ***** elect to use their second pick on defense. Michigan’s Brandon Graham looked unblockable at the Senior Bowl, and in my opinion, went from a borderline first round selection to a Top 20 pick. Like former teammate LaMarr Woodley, Graham’s best pro position may be standing up as a 3-4 OLB.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
-Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can’t continue to dodge and weave defending pass rushers for his entire career. While the Super Bowl winning quarterback has a big enough frame to take a beating, the Steelers obviously don’t want to expose him to that if they don’t have to. Upgrading the offensive line will be key, and Iowa’s Brian Bulaga seems like the kind of lineman Pittsburgh would love to have.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
-The Falcons took a bit of a step backwards in 2009, in part due to injuries to some key players. Atlanta would love to be able to add a cornerback here, but it’s tough to make the case from a value perspective. USC’s Everson Griffen is also a possibility to help on the defensive line, but their personnel at outside linebacker could really use an upgrade as well. Sergio Kindle is riding high after his 2.5 sack performance in the BCS title game.
20. Houston Texans: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
-Despite spending three of their first four picks in the 2009 draft on the defensive side of the ball, the Texans still have some holes that need to be plugged. The defensive line is one area that could be addressed, because Houston’s personnel at defensive tackle just isn’t pulling its weight. Amobi Okoye was said to finally be making some strides this season, but he’s underachieved as a former Top Ten pick and the Texans have virtually nothing else at the position.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
-Depending on whom you talk to, the Bengals could be looking at Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham with this pick. But most are in agreement that Cincinnati should pull the trigger on an offensive playmaker, and right now, it appears Golden Tate’s stock is a bit higher than Gresham’s. Some have compared Tate favorably to Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward, whom the Bengals know very well from having to face him twice a season.
22. New England Patriots: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
-The Patriots would have killed to see a pass-rusher slip to this pick, but Graham and Kindle are both off the board. Do they reach for a Ricky Sapp or Jerry Hughes? Maybe, but the Patriots don’t strike me as a team willing to compromise value for need. With Logan Mankins a restricted free agent and Stephen Neal likely testing the market, it may be time for the Patriots to reload at guard with the draft’s best prospect, Mike Iupati.
23. Green Bay Packers: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
-We had to listen to the stat all season – Aaron Rodgers spent 2009 getting sacked left and right, and the Packers led the league in sacks allowed with 51. Left tackle Chad Clifton could be heading to free agency, and it doesn’t look like there’s a player on the roster prepared to replace him. Resigning Clifton for a season or two could be ideal, as that would give a raw Bruce Campbell some additional time to learn the position before taking over down the road.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Everson Griffen, DE, USC
-The Eagles have one stand-out defensive end in Trent Cole, but they’re going to need to find someone capable of rushing the passer from the other side. Victor Abiamiri doesn’t pose much of a threat, and though Juqua Parker racked up eight sacks in 2009, he’ll turn 32 years old in May. Everson Griffen has the ability to make a home in the opposition’s backfield, as he demonstrated in his final year at USC with nearly ten tackles for loss and eight sacks.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Damian Williams, WR, USC
-Projecting how the receivers are going to come off the board after Dez Bryant is a bit of a challenge. Currently I have Golden Tate as the second receiver off the board, but I think USC’s Damian Williams may have better potential at the next level. He’s considered one of the strongest route runners in this class, and the Ravens have a clear need at the position, even if they execute a trade this offseason.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
-In somewhat surprising news, the Cardinals may be considering cutting their starting free safety Antrel Rolle, potentially making an already weak secondary even weaker. While Boise State’s Kyle Wilson wouldn’t plug the hole left by Rolle, it would give the Cardinals a legitimate corner who could start opposite of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, which they most certainly need.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays, S, USC
-This was a tough pick to project, because after his Senior Bowl performance, I’m not sure that Taylor Mays is still a first round prospect. That being said, Ken Hamlin could be released this offseason, leaving Dallas with just Alan Ball at the free safety position. Mays will have to find a way to reverse his current offseason momentum if he wants to hear his name called in the first round.
28. San Diego Chargers: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
-The position I have the Chargers addressing hasn’t changed from my previous mocks, but the player they’re selecting has. Over the last month or so, Dan Williams has seemingly surpassed Alabama’s Terrence Cody as the draft’s top 3-4 nose tackle prospect. While Williams could certainly go higher than this, San Diego will find it hard not to take him and begin grooming him as Jamal Williams’ successor.
29. New York Jets: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
-Though the Jets finished the season as one of the league’s best rushing teams, they’re going to need to make some improvements in the passing game if they want to legitimately contend for an NFL title. They believe they have their franchise quarterback in Mark Sanchez; now they just need to improve the weapons around him.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
-Dan Williams would have been an ideal selection for the Vikings, but with Williams off the board, I think Minnesota could look to the cornerback position. Top cornerback Antoine Winfield missed six games this year and played poorly when he returned to the field; though Florida State’s pass defense was one of the worst in college football, Patrick Robinson projects well to the next level.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
-Indianapolis’ personnel at defensive tackle don’t provide much in terms of a pass rush, and an interior rush would really help make outside ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis even more dangerous. Odrick was one of the more disruptive linemen at the Senior Bowl, and will likely secure a late first round or early second round selection if he can keep impressing.
32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
-It’s always tough to look at a championship team and figure out where they need help. How much help could they really use if they just won a title? That being said, while the Saints appear to be pretty loaded on offense, their defense could still use some work. Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle are serviceable, but you’ll have a hard time convincing me that Sean Weatherspoon wouldn’t provide an upgrade at outside linebacker.
RAMS MOCK DRAFT
Round Two (33): Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
-The value at quarterback isn’t great here, and a number of receivers are off the board making it a questionable pick. With Randy McMichael likely departing in free agency, a new starting tight end is needed. With a strong offseason, Gresham could be a Top 20-25 pick in this class, so getting him at the top of the second round is nice value.
Round Three (65): Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
-Dan LeFevour would be another option here, but I’ll mix it up from other Rams mocks and go with Pike. He combines good accuracy with a solid enough arm, impressive field vision, and underrated mobility. Get him into an NFL caliber strength program to add some weight to his 6’6” frame, and he could emerge down the road.
Round Four (96): Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
-Like Pike, Lang is going to have to hit the weight room and add some bulk and strength if he’s going to develop into a starting caliber end. But while he continues to grow, he should be able to use his pass rush skills as part of a rotation at defensive end.
Round Five (128): Brandon Carter, OL, Texas Tech
-The 326-pounder is a balanced blocker who could be a capable guard at the next level, but his strong initial punch and quick feet may give him a chance to make it at right tackle as well.
Round Five (151): Kavell Conner, LB, Clemson
-Conner’s combination of size and toughness make him a prospect to keep an eye on as the draft begins to wind down. The Rams’ personnel at OLB isn’t strong by any means.
Round Six (160): Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
-Thurmond missed most of the year with a knee injury, so his medical report will be key. He may be a gem in the mid to late rounds if he’s expected to return to form.
Round Seven (192): Andre Anderson, RB, Tulane
-Anderson deserves late round consideration, and could compete with Chris Ogbonnaya and Kenneth Darby for third team reps, assuming the Rams get a true back-up in free agency.
Round Seven (210): Alric Arnett, WR, West Virginia
-I’m allowed one homer pick, no? Arnett was underutilized at West Virginia, but impressed scouts at the East-West Shrine Game. He’ll compete for a roster spot in a questionable group of receivers.
ROUND ONE
1. St. Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
-So far, nothing has changed from the final weeks of the college football season in my eyes. Ndamukong Suh is still the best player in this class, I think he’s still ranked ahead of McCoy, and I don’t think either quarterback has closed the gap enough to make them strong considerations here. Medical tests and pro days may change that, but right now, I still think Suh is the best pick here.
2. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
-Detroit is in a great position, because with a giant need on the interior of the defensive line, they’re going to get either Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy. If the Rams elect to take a quarterback, then Suh falls to Detroit. If Suh goes first overall, then the Lions still get a great prospect in McCoy, whose skills as a disruptive lineman will be maximized under head coach Jim Schwartz.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
-Say what?! There’s been a lot of buzz in the past couple of days that suggests the Buccaneers may be eyeing South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul if they can’t land one of the defensive tackles. Tennessee’s Eric Berry likely carries a higher grade, but safety doesn’t have the positional value that a pass rusher does. Some see JPP as having Mario Williams potential.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
-No quarterback? Well, I still contend that Sam Bradford makes a lot of sense here if his doctor, who also works for the Redskins, gives him a clean bill of health. But I think Chris Samuels’s health makes the left tackle position a big concern for this organization, as the Redskins are reportedly moving forward as if Samuels will not be returning to the club. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if a tackle is taken here over a signal caller.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee
-A surprise move by the Buccaneers really works out well for the Chiefs, who find Tennessee’s Eric Berry sitting in their laps in this scenario. You can’t tell me the Chiefs couldn’t use a safety of Berry’s caliber, because current safeties Jon McGraw and Mike Brown are nothing to write home about. If Kansas City was so inclined, they could even try to plug Berry in at cornerback opposite of Brandon Flowers.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
-Based on what the new Seahawks coaching staff is saying, it sounds as if Matt Hasselbeck will probably be back under center. But that doesn’t mean they can ignore the future of the quarterback position. Bradford’s shoulder is a concern, but with Hasselbeck on the roster, he won’t be rushed into action. His decision making and accuracy should be valuable commodities in Seattle’s offensive scheme.
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
-Florida’s Joe Haden could potentially go higher than this, but it’s hard to imagine Cleveland passing on him if he’s available at the seven-spot. The Browns feel they have a quality starter in Eric Wright, but there’s not much else in that secondary to write home about. Haden could step in on Day One and be an immediate upgrade in the starting line-up.
8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
-It seems like every year, someone is trying to figure out what kind of crazy pick the Oakland Raiders will make. It’ll be tough to surpass last year’s draft of Darius Heyward-Bey and Michael Mitchell. If Pierre-Paul were still on the board, he’d be a contender. But for the moment, I’m mocking Rutgers OT Anthony Davis to Oakland, whom some would argue is actually the top tackle in this year’s class. Could the Raiders finally be making a good pick? Time will tell.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
-The Bills really would have loved to see one of the top two offensive tackles fall here. Between Demetrius Bell’s torn ACL and the abrupt retirement of Brad Butler, this team is desperate for help at the tackle position. But based on the board, the value isn’t great now. Instead, Jimmy Clausen could be an enticing pick as Buffalo tries to move past the era of Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
-Like Oakland, the Jacksonville Jaguars are another team where Pierre-Paul would have made sense, given the Florida connections. But I think the Jaguars, who finished dead last in the league with only 14 sacks last season, would be more than content to pull the trigger on Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan, who isn’t the massive boom-or-bust prospect that JPP is.
11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
-I believe I mocked Bryant to the Broncos back in December, only to mock him to the Jags a pick earlier in my pre-Senior Bowl mock. With Jacksonville taking Morgan instead this go-round, I’m giving the Broncos the best receiver in this class once more. Considering Brandon Marshall is unlikely to be on the Broncos’ 2010 roster, replacing him with a prospect of Bryant’s caliber is a smart move.
12. Miami Dolphins: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
-There are some who feel Alabama’s Rolando McClain could go as high as the fifth overall pick to Kansas City. While I certainly think that’s possible, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see McClain fall out of the top ten entirely. Of course, he won’t fall very far, as I’d imagine Miami would be chomping at the bit to take him and pair him with Channing Crowder on the inside of their 3-4 defense.
13. San Francisco *****: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
-An article in today’s Santa Rosa Press Democrat cited San Francisco right tackle Adam Snyder as the team’s worst offensive lineman in 2009 in terms of sacks allowed. It’s no secret that the ***** would like to find an upgrade at right tackle, after failing to address the position with the signings of Marvel Smith and Tony Pashos. Oklahoma’s Trent Williams would be a great fit for them here.
14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
-An offensive tackle like Brian Bulaga is very, very tempting here, as the long-term future of Walter Jones is up in the air right now. That being said, the Seahawks may still feel they have a potential replacement in Sean Locklear, and new head coach Pete Carroll is going to need to find more playmakers on offense if he expects his newly-drafted young quarterback to be successful.
15. New York Giants: Earl Thomas, DB, Texas
-While I think an interior defensive lineman like Brian Price would make a lot of sense here, I wouldn’t rule out an addition to the secondary. Texas defensive back Earl Thomas has the versatility to play either cornerback or safety, which would allow the Giants to figure out where they’d like to play fellow Longhorn Aaron Ross and then plug Thomas in accordingly.
16. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
-This really feels too high for Dunlap at this point, but I think the Florida defensive end is entering a part of the offseason process where he’s likely going to impress some people and help his stock a bit. The Titans aren’t going to break the bank to keep Kyle Vanden Bosch around any longer, so they may look to the draft to fill that hole. Dunlap’s talent may be worth the risk, if Tennessee thinks they can get him to play up to it consistently.
17. San Francisco ***** (f/CAR): Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
-After using their first first-round pick on the offensive side of the ball, the ***** elect to use their second pick on defense. Michigan’s Brandon Graham looked unblockable at the Senior Bowl, and in my opinion, went from a borderline first round selection to a Top 20 pick. Like former teammate LaMarr Woodley, Graham’s best pro position may be standing up as a 3-4 OLB.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
-Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can’t continue to dodge and weave defending pass rushers for his entire career. While the Super Bowl winning quarterback has a big enough frame to take a beating, the Steelers obviously don’t want to expose him to that if they don’t have to. Upgrading the offensive line will be key, and Iowa’s Brian Bulaga seems like the kind of lineman Pittsburgh would love to have.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
-The Falcons took a bit of a step backwards in 2009, in part due to injuries to some key players. Atlanta would love to be able to add a cornerback here, but it’s tough to make the case from a value perspective. USC’s Everson Griffen is also a possibility to help on the defensive line, but their personnel at outside linebacker could really use an upgrade as well. Sergio Kindle is riding high after his 2.5 sack performance in the BCS title game.
20. Houston Texans: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
-Despite spending three of their first four picks in the 2009 draft on the defensive side of the ball, the Texans still have some holes that need to be plugged. The defensive line is one area that could be addressed, because Houston’s personnel at defensive tackle just isn’t pulling its weight. Amobi Okoye was said to finally be making some strides this season, but he’s underachieved as a former Top Ten pick and the Texans have virtually nothing else at the position.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
-Depending on whom you talk to, the Bengals could be looking at Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham with this pick. But most are in agreement that Cincinnati should pull the trigger on an offensive playmaker, and right now, it appears Golden Tate’s stock is a bit higher than Gresham’s. Some have compared Tate favorably to Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward, whom the Bengals know very well from having to face him twice a season.
22. New England Patriots: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
-The Patriots would have killed to see a pass-rusher slip to this pick, but Graham and Kindle are both off the board. Do they reach for a Ricky Sapp or Jerry Hughes? Maybe, but the Patriots don’t strike me as a team willing to compromise value for need. With Logan Mankins a restricted free agent and Stephen Neal likely testing the market, it may be time for the Patriots to reload at guard with the draft’s best prospect, Mike Iupati.
23. Green Bay Packers: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
-We had to listen to the stat all season – Aaron Rodgers spent 2009 getting sacked left and right, and the Packers led the league in sacks allowed with 51. Left tackle Chad Clifton could be heading to free agency, and it doesn’t look like there’s a player on the roster prepared to replace him. Resigning Clifton for a season or two could be ideal, as that would give a raw Bruce Campbell some additional time to learn the position before taking over down the road.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Everson Griffen, DE, USC
-The Eagles have one stand-out defensive end in Trent Cole, but they’re going to need to find someone capable of rushing the passer from the other side. Victor Abiamiri doesn’t pose much of a threat, and though Juqua Parker racked up eight sacks in 2009, he’ll turn 32 years old in May. Everson Griffen has the ability to make a home in the opposition’s backfield, as he demonstrated in his final year at USC with nearly ten tackles for loss and eight sacks.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Damian Williams, WR, USC
-Projecting how the receivers are going to come off the board after Dez Bryant is a bit of a challenge. Currently I have Golden Tate as the second receiver off the board, but I think USC’s Damian Williams may have better potential at the next level. He’s considered one of the strongest route runners in this class, and the Ravens have a clear need at the position, even if they execute a trade this offseason.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
-In somewhat surprising news, the Cardinals may be considering cutting their starting free safety Antrel Rolle, potentially making an already weak secondary even weaker. While Boise State’s Kyle Wilson wouldn’t plug the hole left by Rolle, it would give the Cardinals a legitimate corner who could start opposite of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, which they most certainly need.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays, S, USC
-This was a tough pick to project, because after his Senior Bowl performance, I’m not sure that Taylor Mays is still a first round prospect. That being said, Ken Hamlin could be released this offseason, leaving Dallas with just Alan Ball at the free safety position. Mays will have to find a way to reverse his current offseason momentum if he wants to hear his name called in the first round.
28. San Diego Chargers: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
-The position I have the Chargers addressing hasn’t changed from my previous mocks, but the player they’re selecting has. Over the last month or so, Dan Williams has seemingly surpassed Alabama’s Terrence Cody as the draft’s top 3-4 nose tackle prospect. While Williams could certainly go higher than this, San Diego will find it hard not to take him and begin grooming him as Jamal Williams’ successor.
29. New York Jets: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
-Though the Jets finished the season as one of the league’s best rushing teams, they’re going to need to make some improvements in the passing game if they want to legitimately contend for an NFL title. They believe they have their franchise quarterback in Mark Sanchez; now they just need to improve the weapons around him.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
-Dan Williams would have been an ideal selection for the Vikings, but with Williams off the board, I think Minnesota could look to the cornerback position. Top cornerback Antoine Winfield missed six games this year and played poorly when he returned to the field; though Florida State’s pass defense was one of the worst in college football, Patrick Robinson projects well to the next level.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
-Indianapolis’ personnel at defensive tackle don’t provide much in terms of a pass rush, and an interior rush would really help make outside ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis even more dangerous. Odrick was one of the more disruptive linemen at the Senior Bowl, and will likely secure a late first round or early second round selection if he can keep impressing.
32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
-It’s always tough to look at a championship team and figure out where they need help. How much help could they really use if they just won a title? That being said, while the Saints appear to be pretty loaded on offense, their defense could still use some work. Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle are serviceable, but you’ll have a hard time convincing me that Sean Weatherspoon wouldn’t provide an upgrade at outside linebacker.
RAMS MOCK DRAFT
Round Two (33): Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
-The value at quarterback isn’t great here, and a number of receivers are off the board making it a questionable pick. With Randy McMichael likely departing in free agency, a new starting tight end is needed. With a strong offseason, Gresham could be a Top 20-25 pick in this class, so getting him at the top of the second round is nice value.
Round Three (65): Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
-Dan LeFevour would be another option here, but I’ll mix it up from other Rams mocks and go with Pike. He combines good accuracy with a solid enough arm, impressive field vision, and underrated mobility. Get him into an NFL caliber strength program to add some weight to his 6’6” frame, and he could emerge down the road.
Round Four (96): Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
-Like Pike, Lang is going to have to hit the weight room and add some bulk and strength if he’s going to develop into a starting caliber end. But while he continues to grow, he should be able to use his pass rush skills as part of a rotation at defensive end.
Round Five (128): Brandon Carter, OL, Texas Tech
-The 326-pounder is a balanced blocker who could be a capable guard at the next level, but his strong initial punch and quick feet may give him a chance to make it at right tackle as well.
Round Five (151): Kavell Conner, LB, Clemson
-Conner’s combination of size and toughness make him a prospect to keep an eye on as the draft begins to wind down. The Rams’ personnel at OLB isn’t strong by any means.
Round Six (160): Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
-Thurmond missed most of the year with a knee injury, so his medical report will be key. He may be a gem in the mid to late rounds if he’s expected to return to form.
Round Seven (192): Andre Anderson, RB, Tulane
-Anderson deserves late round consideration, and could compete with Chris Ogbonnaya and Kenneth Darby for third team reps, assuming the Rams get a true back-up in free agency.
Round Seven (210): Alric Arnett, WR, West Virginia
-I’m allowed one homer pick, no? Arnett was underutilized at West Virginia, but impressed scouts at the East-West Shrine Game. He’ll compete for a roster spot in a questionable group of receivers.
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