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I went in a very different direction with this one for the Rams, starting with the first overall pick.
I think, as Av put it in a recent thread, the Rams want to like Bradford and, if he looks healthy and can make all the throws at his pro day, they will probably pull the trigger, even if he isn't the very highest rated player on their board.
I still remain very concerned about his ability to hold up at the next level and, because of that, would still prefer Suh as the pick. However, Bradford does have a strong set of skills as a passer, and if the Rams aren't as concerned as I am about his durability, then I suspect they'll take their franchise QB. If they do, I'd like nothing more than for him to succeed, so I hope he proves me wrong and is able to stay healthy.
After Bradford, I went heavy on the offense. That wasn't a predetermined plan but a round-by-round choice. I thought Best was a better option than the available DL, and Graham kind of fell into the same category in the third round. For those who would rather see a defensive pick after taking Bradford in the first round, I provided an alternate pick projection after each pick, just to give another possibility.
As always, constructive criticism and responses are welcome! Enjoy!
ROUND ONE
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
-Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh remains my preferred pick, but Sam Bradford is building momentum. And I’m not talking about Adam Schefter’s ridiculous pre-combine guarantee. Rams GM Billy Devaney suggested that, if the grades were close, they’ll take the QB. Assuming Sam has an impressive pro day later this month, the grades are going to be close enough. If he falters a bit at his pro day, the door will remain open for a defensive tackle. I simply hope Bradford can prove me wrong about his durability concerns if he is the Rams' pick.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
-Similar to how things fell in the 2007 NFL Draft, the team before the Lions elected to go with a quarterback, meaning Detroit can take the draft’s best prospect at the two-spot. Head coach Jim Schwartz, who previously coached in Tennessee, will have Albert Haynesworth-type flashbacks at the idea of adding an elite talent like Suh to his defensive line.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
-The Rams’ selection of Sam Bradford with the first pick will be a winning situation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as it allows Oklahoma Sooner DT Gerald McCoy to slip to them at the third overall pick. The Bucs have been looking for an upgrade at defensive tackle ever since they had to part ways with Warren Sapp; some feel McCoy’s first step and ability to penetrate is similar to Sapp’s.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
-I think if the Redskins take a quarterback in the first round, it’s going to be Sam Bradford. With Bradford off the board, I think Washington will switch to their next best available prospect at a position of need, which is offensive tackle. Chris Samuels’s future in Washington is in doubt, and Okung’s certainly looked the part of a franchise LT in his limited time at the combine.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee
-The Chiefs would like an offensive tackle here, which would allow them to shift Branden Albert either inside to guard or to right tackle. But I’m just not entirely sold that the tackles represent the best value here, whereas Tennessee’s Eric Berry is a top 3-5 prospect in this class in my opinion. He’d certainly represent a big upgrade over current safeties Jon McGraw and Mike Brown.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
-The Seahawks are in a similar boat as the Chiefs. They may want an offensive tackle, but the value isn’t great. Given Matt Hasselbeck’s age and recent problem with injuries, Seattle may be inclined to address the quarterback position here by drafting Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen. They may be able to get a tackle later, but the drop off in the QB crop could force a move here.
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
-Joe Haden’s forty-yard dash times weren’t incredible, but I’m not convinced they’re going to cost him too much in this class. I don’t think there’s another top cornerback prospect in this class, unless you project Berry or Earl Thomas to the position. And Haden’s game tape is certainly impressive enough to keep him in consideration for the Browns here.
8. Oakland Raiders: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
-I’ve come off my JPP-to-Tampa high from my last mock, but not necessarily because of anything Pierre-Paul did. I simply think that, if the Rams take Bradford, Tampa will take whatever defensive tackle is left to them. That allows Pierre-Paul to slip to the Raiders here, who will be enticed by his enormous upside and physical skills.
9. Buffalo Bills: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
-A quarterback would have been nice, but neither of the top two guys slipped to Buffalo here. So instead, they’ll try to address their situation at offensive tackle. There’s still a bit of a hole on the left side thanks to the trade of Jason Peters last year, and Brad Butler’s retirement means the right side is in need as well. Bulaga had a good enough showing at the combine to earn Top Ten consideration.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
-Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan may not have the upside of a Pierre-Paul, but he’s a fine defensive end in his own right and some would contend the top player at the position in this class. Jacksonville had a woeful pass rush in 2009, so they’ll be looking to improve in that area. Morgan gives them another young player who can challenge the edge.
11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
-In my pre-combine mock draft, I had Dan Williams slipping to San Diego at the end of the first round. That wasn’t meant to be a comment on Williams or his value, because I think he could very easily go in the Top 15-20. One destination that I think could work is the Denver Broncos, who certainly could use an upgrade at nose tackle in their 3-4 defense.
12. Miami Dolphins: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
-Ted Ginn has not turned into the star wide receiver the Dolphins thought they were getting in 2007 when they took him 9th overall. Now, Miami will try to add a top receiving talent to their roster by taking the best receiver in this class, Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant. The Parcells/Sparano regime in Miami will likely be able to get the most out of Bryant.
13. San Francisco *****: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
-I was a bit hesitant pre-combine to project Trent Williams this high. But he had a strong enough combine to make me think this is a value slot that could work for the Sooner. The ***** have a clear need for the position, having failed to address it with Tony Pashos or Marvel Smith. And Adam Snyder isn’t much of an option either.
14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
-If you’re going to draft a franchise quarterback, you’d better have some weapons to surround him with. While an offensive tackle like Anthony Davis or Bruce Campbell would be tempting, I think they’re a bit too risky here. C.J. Spiller ran well at the combine, and would be a great addition to the committee of running backs Pete Carroll is assembling in Seattle.
15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
-There was a time when Alabama’s Rolando McClain was being considered among the top five picks in this draft. His shine has worn off a bit since then, especially considering he decided not to participate in the scouting combine. While McClain apparently said he’d prefer to go to a 3-4 team, I think the Giants would have a hard time passing up a stout middle linebacker after cutting Antonio Pierce.
16. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
-Reports from the combine indicated that Carlos Dunlap not only tested well, as expected, but his interviews were impressive as well. Dunlap has the talent of a Top 5 player, but just can’t put it all together on the field. The Titans are in need of a defensive end, and I think Jeff Fisher is an experienced enough coach to know how to push the right buttons with Dunlap.
17. San Francisco ***** (f/CAR): Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
-Kindle’s combine performance had him drawing comparisons to DeMarcus Ware from NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, and his production in the national title game was simply outstanding. The ***** need to be able to get more pressure off the edge in their 3-4 defense, and Kindle would be a nice fit for them as a rush linebacker in the Ware-mold.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
-The Steelers were among the league’s worst at protecting the quarterback in 2009. While some of that responsibility falls on Ben Roethlisberger holding onto the football, Pittsburgh could certainly use some more talent on their offensive line. Davis had some rough patches at the combine, but I don’t think he’ll slip too far before an OT-needy team nabs him.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Everson Griffen, DE, USC
-This was a tough pick for me between Griffen and Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. I think both were solid at the combine and helped themselves, but I think positionally, the Falcons likely place a bigger emphasis on defensive end than they do outside linebacker. Griffen could find some nice early success opposite of John Abraham on the Falcons’ DL.
20. Houston Texans: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
-This pick remains the same from my pre-combine mock. I think Price had a solid combine, and likely secured a mid-first round grade. Houston certainly needs more help on their defensive line, especially at tackle where their most impressive player is the underachieving Amobi Okoye. Price should come in and become an instant starter for Houston.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
-There were some, myself included, that questioned how good of a receiver Tate could be at the next level. More than a few reports indicated that Tate impressed at the combine, and though he dropped a few passes in drills, he was generally well received. He’s drawn comparisons to Hines Ward by some analysts, and knowing what a pain Ward is to defend, the Bengals may want to add one of their own.
22. New England Patriots: Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
-Graham was unable to work out at the combine after sustaining a minor injury while running the forty yard dash. I don’t think it’s going to hurt his stock, but he ended up slipping a bit from my previous projection due to Kindle’s rise. Still, I think Graham would be an outstanding fit for the Patriots; though he lacks a little size, he sure knows how to disrupt plays in the backfield.
23. Green Bay Packers: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
-This is the same destination I had for Campbell in my first mock, and while he showed a lot of athleticism at the combine, I think teams are still going to be a bit weary of a guy with his résumé. The Packers hope they’re getting their left tackle of the future here, but Campbell isn’t going to step in right away and dominate. Green Bay would be wise to bring him along slowly.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Earl Thomas, DB, Texas
-Longhorn defensive back Earl Thomas would be outstanding value here, especially if you agree with Mike Mayock and have him as the best safety in this class. In my last mock, I had him going to New York nearly ten picks earlier. He’s managed to slip to the Eagles at pick 24 in this projection, and I don’t doubt that Philadelphia would benefit from a DB with Thomas’s range.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
-I previously had USC receiver Damian Williams projected here, but I think after Bryant and Tate, you could probably roll some dice in order to decide who the third receiver in this class really is. You can probably make a case for three or four guys at least, but I think Arrelious Benn’s display of speed at the combine may give him the edge.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
-The Cardinals already have a pretty talented offense, but if they want Matt Leinart to succeed, they need to give him as many weapons as possible. Their receiving corps is stacked, they have some talent in the backfield, so now they just need to find their tight end. Gresham didn’t wow anyone at the combine, but he was good enough to likely keep a first round grade.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho
-The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly very high on Idaho’s Mike Iupati after the Senior Bowl, and though I think they’ll have their eye on some help for their secondary, it’s going to be hard for them to pass up Iupati here. He’d be an upgrade over Kyle Kosier at left guard on their offensive line, and could conceivably kick out to right tackle down the road.
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
-It’s no secret that the Chargers are desperately in need of help in the backfield. They’ve cut LaDainian Tomlinson and are allowing Darren Sproles to test the open market. Who exactly does that leave them with? Mathews likely secured a spot in the first round with a strong combine performance, and his time in a pro style offense in college will make his transition to the NFL easier.
29. New York Jets: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
-Wilson wasn’t able to run at the combine after straining a hamstring training for the event, but I think his impressive Senior Bowl performance was enough to put him in the mix for a late first round pick. The Jets will reportedly release cornerback Lito Sheppard soon, and will need someone capable of playing next to Darrelle Revis.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Taylor Mays, S, USC
-A cornerback will get a lot of consideration here, but I think USC’s Taylor Mays did enough at the combine to stop his slipping momentum and stay in the first round. There are some people who had Mays timed in the forty yard dash under 4.3 seconds, which is impressive. The Vikings aren’t exactly stout at safety, but are good enough to be able to work Mays in slowly.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
-The Indianapolis Colts don’t have great personnel at defensive tackle. They’ve gotten by like that for a while now, but I think this might be the year where that comes to an end. Jared Odrick is a disruptive lineman who could play inside in a 4-3 or outside at end in a 3-4. It’s hard to believe he couldn’t earn a starting job sooner rather than later on Indy’s interior DL.
32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
-This is where I had Weatherspoon going in my pre-combine mock, but I think his stock has risen since then. He had a very impressive combine which included a nice interview in front of the press. He’s gaining momentum and may not even be here for the Saints. However, if he is, New Orleans would be wise to pick him up as an upgrade over Scott Fujita or Scott Shanle.
RAMS MOCK DRAFT
Round Two (33): Jahvid Best, RB, California
Alternate Pick: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
-In order to have a strong running attack in the NFL, teams need to find a capable second running back. Best is a playmaker who could spell Steven Jackson and create his own highlights at the same time.
Round Three (65): Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami
Alternate Pick: Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia
-If Sam Bradford is going to be successful, the Rams will need to surround him with weapons. Barring a free agent acquisition at tight end, Jimmy Graham could be an option in the third round.
Round Four (96): Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
Alternate Pick: Colin Peek, TE, Alabama
-Some felt my projection of Lang at the top of the fourth round was unrealistic. But Lang’s 4.99 forty at the combine along with his 20 reps on the bench should help make him available here.
Round Five (128): Perry Riley, OLB, LSU
Alternate Pick: Joique Bell, RB, Wayne State
-Riley measured in a pound short of 240 and ran a sub 4.7 forty at the combine. I still consider him a solid mid round LB prospect who could surprise people.
Round Five (151): Blair White, WR, Michigan State
Alternate Pick: Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa
-White is viewed as a solid possession receiver who does a lot of things well but nothing great. Given the Rams’ struggles on offense, I’ll take a guy who does a lot of things well.
Round Six (160): Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
Alternate Pick: Jammie Kirlew, DE, Indiana
-A carryover from my pre-combine mock, I think Thurmond is worth taking a late round flier on; if he can regain his pre-injury form, he could be a solid addition.
Round Seven (192): Andre Neblett, DT, Temple
Alternate Pick: Alric Arnett, WR, West Virginia
-Neblett flashed some ability at the Texas vs. the Nation practices, and could be worth a late round pick to see if he can beat out any of the Rams’ DL depth.
Round Seven (210): Will Barker, OT, Virginia
Alternate Pick: Antonio Coleman, DE/OLB, Auburn
-Barker’s size and experience at right tackle could make him worth a late round pick.
I think, as Av put it in a recent thread, the Rams want to like Bradford and, if he looks healthy and can make all the throws at his pro day, they will probably pull the trigger, even if he isn't the very highest rated player on their board.
I still remain very concerned about his ability to hold up at the next level and, because of that, would still prefer Suh as the pick. However, Bradford does have a strong set of skills as a passer, and if the Rams aren't as concerned as I am about his durability, then I suspect they'll take their franchise QB. If they do, I'd like nothing more than for him to succeed, so I hope he proves me wrong and is able to stay healthy.
After Bradford, I went heavy on the offense. That wasn't a predetermined plan but a round-by-round choice. I thought Best was a better option than the available DL, and Graham kind of fell into the same category in the third round. For those who would rather see a defensive pick after taking Bradford in the first round, I provided an alternate pick projection after each pick, just to give another possibility.
As always, constructive criticism and responses are welcome! Enjoy!
ROUND ONE
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
-Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh remains my preferred pick, but Sam Bradford is building momentum. And I’m not talking about Adam Schefter’s ridiculous pre-combine guarantee. Rams GM Billy Devaney suggested that, if the grades were close, they’ll take the QB. Assuming Sam has an impressive pro day later this month, the grades are going to be close enough. If he falters a bit at his pro day, the door will remain open for a defensive tackle. I simply hope Bradford can prove me wrong about his durability concerns if he is the Rams' pick.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
-Similar to how things fell in the 2007 NFL Draft, the team before the Lions elected to go with a quarterback, meaning Detroit can take the draft’s best prospect at the two-spot. Head coach Jim Schwartz, who previously coached in Tennessee, will have Albert Haynesworth-type flashbacks at the idea of adding an elite talent like Suh to his defensive line.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
-The Rams’ selection of Sam Bradford with the first pick will be a winning situation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as it allows Oklahoma Sooner DT Gerald McCoy to slip to them at the third overall pick. The Bucs have been looking for an upgrade at defensive tackle ever since they had to part ways with Warren Sapp; some feel McCoy’s first step and ability to penetrate is similar to Sapp’s.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
-I think if the Redskins take a quarterback in the first round, it’s going to be Sam Bradford. With Bradford off the board, I think Washington will switch to their next best available prospect at a position of need, which is offensive tackle. Chris Samuels’s future in Washington is in doubt, and Okung’s certainly looked the part of a franchise LT in his limited time at the combine.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee
-The Chiefs would like an offensive tackle here, which would allow them to shift Branden Albert either inside to guard or to right tackle. But I’m just not entirely sold that the tackles represent the best value here, whereas Tennessee’s Eric Berry is a top 3-5 prospect in this class in my opinion. He’d certainly represent a big upgrade over current safeties Jon McGraw and Mike Brown.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
-The Seahawks are in a similar boat as the Chiefs. They may want an offensive tackle, but the value isn’t great. Given Matt Hasselbeck’s age and recent problem with injuries, Seattle may be inclined to address the quarterback position here by drafting Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen. They may be able to get a tackle later, but the drop off in the QB crop could force a move here.
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
-Joe Haden’s forty-yard dash times weren’t incredible, but I’m not convinced they’re going to cost him too much in this class. I don’t think there’s another top cornerback prospect in this class, unless you project Berry or Earl Thomas to the position. And Haden’s game tape is certainly impressive enough to keep him in consideration for the Browns here.
8. Oakland Raiders: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
-I’ve come off my JPP-to-Tampa high from my last mock, but not necessarily because of anything Pierre-Paul did. I simply think that, if the Rams take Bradford, Tampa will take whatever defensive tackle is left to them. That allows Pierre-Paul to slip to the Raiders here, who will be enticed by his enormous upside and physical skills.
9. Buffalo Bills: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
-A quarterback would have been nice, but neither of the top two guys slipped to Buffalo here. So instead, they’ll try to address their situation at offensive tackle. There’s still a bit of a hole on the left side thanks to the trade of Jason Peters last year, and Brad Butler’s retirement means the right side is in need as well. Bulaga had a good enough showing at the combine to earn Top Ten consideration.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
-Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan may not have the upside of a Pierre-Paul, but he’s a fine defensive end in his own right and some would contend the top player at the position in this class. Jacksonville had a woeful pass rush in 2009, so they’ll be looking to improve in that area. Morgan gives them another young player who can challenge the edge.
11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
-In my pre-combine mock draft, I had Dan Williams slipping to San Diego at the end of the first round. That wasn’t meant to be a comment on Williams or his value, because I think he could very easily go in the Top 15-20. One destination that I think could work is the Denver Broncos, who certainly could use an upgrade at nose tackle in their 3-4 defense.
12. Miami Dolphins: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
-Ted Ginn has not turned into the star wide receiver the Dolphins thought they were getting in 2007 when they took him 9th overall. Now, Miami will try to add a top receiving talent to their roster by taking the best receiver in this class, Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant. The Parcells/Sparano regime in Miami will likely be able to get the most out of Bryant.
13. San Francisco *****: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
-I was a bit hesitant pre-combine to project Trent Williams this high. But he had a strong enough combine to make me think this is a value slot that could work for the Sooner. The ***** have a clear need for the position, having failed to address it with Tony Pashos or Marvel Smith. And Adam Snyder isn’t much of an option either.
14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
-If you’re going to draft a franchise quarterback, you’d better have some weapons to surround him with. While an offensive tackle like Anthony Davis or Bruce Campbell would be tempting, I think they’re a bit too risky here. C.J. Spiller ran well at the combine, and would be a great addition to the committee of running backs Pete Carroll is assembling in Seattle.
15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
-There was a time when Alabama’s Rolando McClain was being considered among the top five picks in this draft. His shine has worn off a bit since then, especially considering he decided not to participate in the scouting combine. While McClain apparently said he’d prefer to go to a 3-4 team, I think the Giants would have a hard time passing up a stout middle linebacker after cutting Antonio Pierce.
16. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
-Reports from the combine indicated that Carlos Dunlap not only tested well, as expected, but his interviews were impressive as well. Dunlap has the talent of a Top 5 player, but just can’t put it all together on the field. The Titans are in need of a defensive end, and I think Jeff Fisher is an experienced enough coach to know how to push the right buttons with Dunlap.
17. San Francisco ***** (f/CAR): Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
-Kindle’s combine performance had him drawing comparisons to DeMarcus Ware from NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, and his production in the national title game was simply outstanding. The ***** need to be able to get more pressure off the edge in their 3-4 defense, and Kindle would be a nice fit for them as a rush linebacker in the Ware-mold.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
-The Steelers were among the league’s worst at protecting the quarterback in 2009. While some of that responsibility falls on Ben Roethlisberger holding onto the football, Pittsburgh could certainly use some more talent on their offensive line. Davis had some rough patches at the combine, but I don’t think he’ll slip too far before an OT-needy team nabs him.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Everson Griffen, DE, USC
-This was a tough pick for me between Griffen and Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. I think both were solid at the combine and helped themselves, but I think positionally, the Falcons likely place a bigger emphasis on defensive end than they do outside linebacker. Griffen could find some nice early success opposite of John Abraham on the Falcons’ DL.
20. Houston Texans: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
-This pick remains the same from my pre-combine mock. I think Price had a solid combine, and likely secured a mid-first round grade. Houston certainly needs more help on their defensive line, especially at tackle where their most impressive player is the underachieving Amobi Okoye. Price should come in and become an instant starter for Houston.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
-There were some, myself included, that questioned how good of a receiver Tate could be at the next level. More than a few reports indicated that Tate impressed at the combine, and though he dropped a few passes in drills, he was generally well received. He’s drawn comparisons to Hines Ward by some analysts, and knowing what a pain Ward is to defend, the Bengals may want to add one of their own.
22. New England Patriots: Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
-Graham was unable to work out at the combine after sustaining a minor injury while running the forty yard dash. I don’t think it’s going to hurt his stock, but he ended up slipping a bit from my previous projection due to Kindle’s rise. Still, I think Graham would be an outstanding fit for the Patriots; though he lacks a little size, he sure knows how to disrupt plays in the backfield.
23. Green Bay Packers: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
-This is the same destination I had for Campbell in my first mock, and while he showed a lot of athleticism at the combine, I think teams are still going to be a bit weary of a guy with his résumé. The Packers hope they’re getting their left tackle of the future here, but Campbell isn’t going to step in right away and dominate. Green Bay would be wise to bring him along slowly.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Earl Thomas, DB, Texas
-Longhorn defensive back Earl Thomas would be outstanding value here, especially if you agree with Mike Mayock and have him as the best safety in this class. In my last mock, I had him going to New York nearly ten picks earlier. He’s managed to slip to the Eagles at pick 24 in this projection, and I don’t doubt that Philadelphia would benefit from a DB with Thomas’s range.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
-I previously had USC receiver Damian Williams projected here, but I think after Bryant and Tate, you could probably roll some dice in order to decide who the third receiver in this class really is. You can probably make a case for three or four guys at least, but I think Arrelious Benn’s display of speed at the combine may give him the edge.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
-The Cardinals already have a pretty talented offense, but if they want Matt Leinart to succeed, they need to give him as many weapons as possible. Their receiving corps is stacked, they have some talent in the backfield, so now they just need to find their tight end. Gresham didn’t wow anyone at the combine, but he was good enough to likely keep a first round grade.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho
-The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly very high on Idaho’s Mike Iupati after the Senior Bowl, and though I think they’ll have their eye on some help for their secondary, it’s going to be hard for them to pass up Iupati here. He’d be an upgrade over Kyle Kosier at left guard on their offensive line, and could conceivably kick out to right tackle down the road.
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
-It’s no secret that the Chargers are desperately in need of help in the backfield. They’ve cut LaDainian Tomlinson and are allowing Darren Sproles to test the open market. Who exactly does that leave them with? Mathews likely secured a spot in the first round with a strong combine performance, and his time in a pro style offense in college will make his transition to the NFL easier.
29. New York Jets: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
-Wilson wasn’t able to run at the combine after straining a hamstring training for the event, but I think his impressive Senior Bowl performance was enough to put him in the mix for a late first round pick. The Jets will reportedly release cornerback Lito Sheppard soon, and will need someone capable of playing next to Darrelle Revis.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Taylor Mays, S, USC
-A cornerback will get a lot of consideration here, but I think USC’s Taylor Mays did enough at the combine to stop his slipping momentum and stay in the first round. There are some people who had Mays timed in the forty yard dash under 4.3 seconds, which is impressive. The Vikings aren’t exactly stout at safety, but are good enough to be able to work Mays in slowly.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
-The Indianapolis Colts don’t have great personnel at defensive tackle. They’ve gotten by like that for a while now, but I think this might be the year where that comes to an end. Jared Odrick is a disruptive lineman who could play inside in a 4-3 or outside at end in a 3-4. It’s hard to believe he couldn’t earn a starting job sooner rather than later on Indy’s interior DL.
32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
-This is where I had Weatherspoon going in my pre-combine mock, but I think his stock has risen since then. He had a very impressive combine which included a nice interview in front of the press. He’s gaining momentum and may not even be here for the Saints. However, if he is, New Orleans would be wise to pick him up as an upgrade over Scott Fujita or Scott Shanle.
RAMS MOCK DRAFT
Round Two (33): Jahvid Best, RB, California
Alternate Pick: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
-In order to have a strong running attack in the NFL, teams need to find a capable second running back. Best is a playmaker who could spell Steven Jackson and create his own highlights at the same time.
Round Three (65): Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami
Alternate Pick: Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia
-If Sam Bradford is going to be successful, the Rams will need to surround him with weapons. Barring a free agent acquisition at tight end, Jimmy Graham could be an option in the third round.
Round Four (96): Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
Alternate Pick: Colin Peek, TE, Alabama
-Some felt my projection of Lang at the top of the fourth round was unrealistic. But Lang’s 4.99 forty at the combine along with his 20 reps on the bench should help make him available here.
Round Five (128): Perry Riley, OLB, LSU
Alternate Pick: Joique Bell, RB, Wayne State
-Riley measured in a pound short of 240 and ran a sub 4.7 forty at the combine. I still consider him a solid mid round LB prospect who could surprise people.
Round Five (151): Blair White, WR, Michigan State
Alternate Pick: Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa
-White is viewed as a solid possession receiver who does a lot of things well but nothing great. Given the Rams’ struggles on offense, I’ll take a guy who does a lot of things well.
Round Six (160): Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
Alternate Pick: Jammie Kirlew, DE, Indiana
-A carryover from my pre-combine mock, I think Thurmond is worth taking a late round flier on; if he can regain his pre-injury form, he could be a solid addition.
Round Seven (192): Andre Neblett, DT, Temple
Alternate Pick: Alric Arnett, WR, West Virginia
-Neblett flashed some ability at the Texas vs. the Nation practices, and could be worth a late round pick to see if he can beat out any of the Rams’ DL depth.
Round Seven (210): Will Barker, OT, Virginia
Alternate Pick: Antonio Coleman, DE/OLB, Auburn
-Barker’s size and experience at right tackle could make him worth a late round pick.
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