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Mixed some things up some more, wanted to get another mock out before my schedule got really hectic later this month. Hope you guys enjoy, and as always, constructive criticism is welcome!
ROUND ONE
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
-Though I prefer Suh, I believe an impressive workout and medical check at his pro day later this month will likely make Bradford the pick.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
-Having coached Albert Haynesworth in Tennessee, head coach Jim Schwartz understands the value of a top-flight defensive tackle.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
-The Bucs have been trying to replace Warren Sapp for years; McCoy is a disruptive penetrator who should start from Day One.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
-The release of Chris Samuels leaves the Redskins thin on the offensive line; count me among those not yet convinced of Jimmy Clausen being a consideration here.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
-I still think Eric Berry is a strong candidate for this pick, but Kansas City also knows they’ll have to protect Matt Cassel if they expect him to be successful.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
-With both of the top tackles off the board, Seattle may look to Pierre-Paul, who could play outside linebacker if Pete Carroll wants to switch to the 3-4.
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee
-Great situation for the Browns, as they need all the help they can get in their secondary. Berry could probably start anywhere for them.
8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
-I’m not completely sold on what has become a trendy pick, but Oakland’s 2009 selections of Heyward-Bey and Michael Mitchell means anything is possible here.
9. Buffalo Bills: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
-The Bills will give heavy consideration to Jimmy Clausen, but they’re in desperate need for an offensive tackle as well.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
-Haden may have recovered from a slow combine forty by running well at his pro day; if he slips by Cleveland, the Jags will reap the benefits.
11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
-There is talk that character concerns could push Bryant down draft boards, but if Brandon Marshall is dealt prior to the draft, it’s hard to see Bryant getting by Denver.
12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
-The Dolphins not only need a nose tackle of the future, but with Jason Ferguson’s suspension, they need one for the present.
13. San Francisco *****: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
-Kindle’s ability as a potential 3-4 LB reminds some of DeMarcus Ware, and the ***** could definitely use a top flight pass rusher.
14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
-The Seahawks are in desperate need for playmakers on offense, and C.J. Spiller has shown he has the ability to contribute in multiple ways.
15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
-McClain is slipping a bit this offseason, but could still be in consideration for a Giants team that needs to replace Antonio Pierce at MLB.
16. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
-Great value here for Tennessee, as Derrick Morgan is regarded by many as a Top Ten pick; after losing Vanden Bosch, the Titans need to restock at DE.
17. San Francisco ***** (f/CAR): Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
-If Clausen gets by Buffalo, he could be in for a fall; the ***** signed David Carr to push Alex Smith, but they would be hard pressed to pass up Clausen if he slips.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho
-While some of Pittsburgh’s 50 sacks in 2009 can be pinned on Ben “Hide Your Daughters” Roethlisberger, more talent on the line is needed as well.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
-Weatherspoon has had a great offseason, and it’s hard to imagine that he wouldn’t be an upgrade for the Falcons at either OLB spot.
20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas, DB, Texas
-The Texans lost Dunta Robinson in free agency and their personnel at safety isn’t great; Thomas gives them options in the secondary.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
-The Antonio Bryant signing could allow Cincy to put off their need at receiver in order to add a potential starter on the DL in Price.
22. New England Patriots: Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
-Derrick Burgess is a free agent and Adalius Thomas isn’t expected to return; Graham is the kind of dynamic pass rusher the Pats need.
23. Green Bay Packers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
-Davis’s poor offseason have likely blown his chance at being one of the first tackles off the board, but Green Bay wouldn’t mind picking him up here.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
-The physical talent is there, but what about the maturity? After missing out on Julius Peppers and Aaron Kampman, the Eagles may gamble with Dunlap.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
-The Boldin trade and Stallworth signing mean the Ravens can wait on a receiver; their next priority should be at cornerback.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
-The Cardinals could address their OLB position by signing Joey Porter, but they’d benefit from adding a young pass rusher like Hughes.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays, S, USC
-If the Cowboys don’t go after Antoine Bethea or O.J. Atogwe in free agency, they may turn to Taylor Mays to fill their need at safety.
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
-Darren Sproles is back, but he needs help. Ryan Mathews would be a nice addition to the Chargers’ backfield, and could easily go earlier.
29. New York Jets: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
-The Jets have the running game and the defense to contend; now they just need to add some more weapons around Mark Sanchez.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
-I wouldn’t rule out a running back here, but injury concerns to both Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin make CB a logical choice.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
-Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir are serviceable, but imagine the Colts’ DL with a legitimate talent on the inside.
32. New Orleans Saints: Everson Griffen, DE, USC
-The Saints have been sniffing the market for a defensive end to replace Charles Grant, but they may have to wait until the draft to find their guy.
RAMS MOCK DRAFT
Round Two (33): Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Alternate Pick: Jahvid Best, RB, California
-It’d be a risk to take two guys in the first two rounds who missed significant time last season, but the Bradford-to-Gresham combo is very tempting.
Round Three (65): Donald Butler, LB, Washington
Alternate Pick: Dekoda Watson, LB, Florida State
-After playing Paris Lenon and David Vorbora as starters last season, the Rams have to know they’re in need of help at OLB.
Round Four (96): Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
Alternate Pick: Lindsey Witten, DE, Connecticut
-With Leonard Little and James Hall still floating around the free agent market, the Rams need to find someone capable of rushing the passer to replace them.
Round Five (128): Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling Green
Alternate Pick: Danario Alexander, WR, Missouri
-Barnes doesn’t have great speed but could find success as a possession receiver at the next level. The Rams need all the help they can get on offense.
Round Five (151): Andre Dixon, RB, Connecticut
Alternate Pick: Joique Bell, RB, Wayne State
-The Rams have said they’re in a better position this year to take a chance on a guy; Dixon will have to answer questions about his suspensions but could be a solid
Round Six (160): Derek Hardman, OL, Eastern Kentucky
Alternate Pick: Thomas Welch, OT, Vanderbilt
-Hardman displayed a bit of a mean streak in the Texas vs. The Nation game, and might be worth a selection to see if he can stick as depth.
Round Seven (192): Barry Church, SS/LB, Toledo
Alternate Pick: Aaron Webster, S, Cincinnati
-Church’s combination of size and tackling ability make him an intriguing late-round pick, perhaps as a conversion to linebacker.
Round Seven (210): Travis Goethel, LB, Arizona State
Alternate Pick: Antonio Coleman, LB, Auburn
-Goethel lacks great speed, but he could earn a roster spot as a special teams player given his size and skills as a tackler.
ROUND ONE
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
-Though I prefer Suh, I believe an impressive workout and medical check at his pro day later this month will likely make Bradford the pick.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
-Having coached Albert Haynesworth in Tennessee, head coach Jim Schwartz understands the value of a top-flight defensive tackle.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
-The Bucs have been trying to replace Warren Sapp for years; McCoy is a disruptive penetrator who should start from Day One.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
-The release of Chris Samuels leaves the Redskins thin on the offensive line; count me among those not yet convinced of Jimmy Clausen being a consideration here.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
-I still think Eric Berry is a strong candidate for this pick, but Kansas City also knows they’ll have to protect Matt Cassel if they expect him to be successful.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
-With both of the top tackles off the board, Seattle may look to Pierre-Paul, who could play outside linebacker if Pete Carroll wants to switch to the 3-4.
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee
-Great situation for the Browns, as they need all the help they can get in their secondary. Berry could probably start anywhere for them.
8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
-I’m not completely sold on what has become a trendy pick, but Oakland’s 2009 selections of Heyward-Bey and Michael Mitchell means anything is possible here.
9. Buffalo Bills: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
-The Bills will give heavy consideration to Jimmy Clausen, but they’re in desperate need for an offensive tackle as well.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
-Haden may have recovered from a slow combine forty by running well at his pro day; if he slips by Cleveland, the Jags will reap the benefits.
11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
-There is talk that character concerns could push Bryant down draft boards, but if Brandon Marshall is dealt prior to the draft, it’s hard to see Bryant getting by Denver.
12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
-The Dolphins not only need a nose tackle of the future, but with Jason Ferguson’s suspension, they need one for the present.
13. San Francisco *****: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
-Kindle’s ability as a potential 3-4 LB reminds some of DeMarcus Ware, and the ***** could definitely use a top flight pass rusher.
14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
-The Seahawks are in desperate need for playmakers on offense, and C.J. Spiller has shown he has the ability to contribute in multiple ways.
15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
-McClain is slipping a bit this offseason, but could still be in consideration for a Giants team that needs to replace Antonio Pierce at MLB.
16. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
-Great value here for Tennessee, as Derrick Morgan is regarded by many as a Top Ten pick; after losing Vanden Bosch, the Titans need to restock at DE.
17. San Francisco ***** (f/CAR): Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
-If Clausen gets by Buffalo, he could be in for a fall; the ***** signed David Carr to push Alex Smith, but they would be hard pressed to pass up Clausen if he slips.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho
-While some of Pittsburgh’s 50 sacks in 2009 can be pinned on Ben “Hide Your Daughters” Roethlisberger, more talent on the line is needed as well.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
-Weatherspoon has had a great offseason, and it’s hard to imagine that he wouldn’t be an upgrade for the Falcons at either OLB spot.
20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas, DB, Texas
-The Texans lost Dunta Robinson in free agency and their personnel at safety isn’t great; Thomas gives them options in the secondary.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
-The Antonio Bryant signing could allow Cincy to put off their need at receiver in order to add a potential starter on the DL in Price.
22. New England Patriots: Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
-Derrick Burgess is a free agent and Adalius Thomas isn’t expected to return; Graham is the kind of dynamic pass rusher the Pats need.
23. Green Bay Packers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
-Davis’s poor offseason have likely blown his chance at being one of the first tackles off the board, but Green Bay wouldn’t mind picking him up here.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
-The physical talent is there, but what about the maturity? After missing out on Julius Peppers and Aaron Kampman, the Eagles may gamble with Dunlap.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
-The Boldin trade and Stallworth signing mean the Ravens can wait on a receiver; their next priority should be at cornerback.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
-The Cardinals could address their OLB position by signing Joey Porter, but they’d benefit from adding a young pass rusher like Hughes.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays, S, USC
-If the Cowboys don’t go after Antoine Bethea or O.J. Atogwe in free agency, they may turn to Taylor Mays to fill their need at safety.
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
-Darren Sproles is back, but he needs help. Ryan Mathews would be a nice addition to the Chargers’ backfield, and could easily go earlier.
29. New York Jets: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
-The Jets have the running game and the defense to contend; now they just need to add some more weapons around Mark Sanchez.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
-I wouldn’t rule out a running back here, but injury concerns to both Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin make CB a logical choice.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
-Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir are serviceable, but imagine the Colts’ DL with a legitimate talent on the inside.
32. New Orleans Saints: Everson Griffen, DE, USC
-The Saints have been sniffing the market for a defensive end to replace Charles Grant, but they may have to wait until the draft to find their guy.
RAMS MOCK DRAFT
Round Two (33): Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Alternate Pick: Jahvid Best, RB, California
-It’d be a risk to take two guys in the first two rounds who missed significant time last season, but the Bradford-to-Gresham combo is very tempting.
Round Three (65): Donald Butler, LB, Washington
Alternate Pick: Dekoda Watson, LB, Florida State
-After playing Paris Lenon and David Vorbora as starters last season, the Rams have to know they’re in need of help at OLB.
Round Four (96): Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
Alternate Pick: Lindsey Witten, DE, Connecticut
-With Leonard Little and James Hall still floating around the free agent market, the Rams need to find someone capable of rushing the passer to replace them.
Round Five (128): Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling Green
Alternate Pick: Danario Alexander, WR, Missouri
-Barnes doesn’t have great speed but could find success as a possession receiver at the next level. The Rams need all the help they can get on offense.
Round Five (151): Andre Dixon, RB, Connecticut
Alternate Pick: Joique Bell, RB, Wayne State
-The Rams have said they’re in a better position this year to take a chance on a guy; Dixon will have to answer questions about his suspensions but could be a solid
Round Six (160): Derek Hardman, OL, Eastern Kentucky
Alternate Pick: Thomas Welch, OT, Vanderbilt
-Hardman displayed a bit of a mean streak in the Texas vs. The Nation game, and might be worth a selection to see if he can stick as depth.
Round Seven (192): Barry Church, SS/LB, Toledo
Alternate Pick: Aaron Webster, S, Cincinnati
-Church’s combination of size and tackling ability make him an intriguing late-round pick, perhaps as a conversion to linebacker.
Round Seven (210): Travis Goethel, LB, Arizona State
Alternate Pick: Antonio Coleman, LB, Auburn
-Goethel lacks great speed, but he could earn a roster spot as a special teams player given his size and skills as a tackler.
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