Brandon Spikes – The Scores Report – The National Sports Blog

Poor play of Pats’ defense bigger surprise than Sam Bradford

Anthony Stalter — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:50:25 +0000

I haven’t done a Google search yet, but I can only imagine how many, “Should Sam Bradford start Week 1?” topics are floating around the web after the rookie’s performance in the Rams’ 36-35 win over the Patriots in Foxboro last night.

The third preseason game is when starters usually play an entire half and maybe even some of the third quarter. So for Bradford to look as poised and as comfortable as he did completing 15 of 22 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns against New England’s starting defense was impressive. Whether or not he gets the opportunity to start as a rookie is a hot topic right now – as it should be.

But the biggest takeaway for me last night wasn’t the play of Bradford, but how poor the Patriots’ first-team defense looked.

Yes, as previously noted, Bradford was outstanding. He completely picked apart New England’s defense at times, finding holes in the Pats’ soft zone to move the ball up and down the field. The Rams’ offense also capitalized when they reached the Patriots’ side of the field, amassing 17 unanswered points at one point.

It has become common knowledge that the Patriots don’t have much of a pass rush, but after watching the game last night the problem might be bigger than anyone thought. On most occasions, the Pats seemingly could only generate pressure by overloading one side of the field and blitzing. They usually sent a safety too, which is a nice wrinkle to throw at a quarterback on some occasions but teams shouldn’t get in the habit of doing it because it obviously leaves one less guy in coverage.

There isn’t a coach in the league that comes up with better defensive schemes than Bill Belichick. But even he admitted last night that he has to go back to the drawing board. Individually, guys like Jerod Mayo, Ron Brace, Brandon Meriweather, Brandon Spikes and Pat Chung shined in some areas, but the defense was brutal as a whole.

Belichick has two weeks to figure things out before the games start to count.

The Scores Report’s 2010 NFL Mock Draft

Anthony Stalter — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:30:03 +0000

This is it – this one is for all the marbles. The two previous mock drafts I put together mean nothing, unless of course one of those is better than the one below. In that case, please consider that to be my final mock so I can save some face.

We’re just days away from the 2010 NFL Draft and as usual, the uncertainty surrounding which player will be drafted by which team is at an all-time high. Teams are sending out smokescreens, it’s hard to figure out which GM is telling the truth (probably roughly around none of them) and all the while, the media is trying to keep up with all the rumors.

But here it is – my final crack at predicting the first round. Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section, but remember that they’re only valid when you make predictions before the draft. Don’t be the tool that comes back here a week from now boasting that you knew that Team A would take Player X, or else you will be made fun of mercilessly by your peers.

Let the games begin and once again, Happy NFL Draft time fellow draftnits.

Originally posted: Monday, April 19

1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Ndamukong Suh is the best player in the 2010 draft and if teams only drafted based on talent, then the Nebraska defensive tackle would be the first player selected in round one. But Suh plays a position that most teams can’t justify investing a truckload of guaranteed money in. That’s why Bradford will be the No. 1 pick, along with the fact that the Rams desperately need a quarterback to help revitalize their morbid franchise. I’ve never wavered with this pick – I’ve believed that Bradford was going to be the Rams’ selection at No. 1 all along. If they believe that he’s a franchise quarterback, then Suh and every other prospect in this draft becomes inconsequential in the Rams’ eyes. There’s no more important position on a football field than the one that lines up under center every week. Is taking a quarterback this high a risk? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, a franchise can’t function without a good QB. That’s why St. Louis won’t hesitate to take Bradford here.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
The Lions want everyone to believe that they’ll take an offensive tackle like Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung with this pick and they may very well might. But if Suh is still on the board when the Lions are on the clock in the first round, then they’d be nuts to pass on him. Suh is the best player in the draft on either side of the ball and could be the player current Lions (and former Titans’ DC) head coach Jim Schwartz builds his defense around, a la Albert Haynesworth in Tennessee.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
McCoy has kind of become the forgotten top 5 prospect in this draft because he’s overshadowed by Suh. But he’s a difference maker and a force against the run. If the Rams take Bradford at No. 1, one of the two defensive tackles will fall to Tampa here, which is exactly what it wants. The Bucs need an interior presence in the middle of their line that can be effective both against the run and pass. McCoy can potentially be that player.

4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
As long as Mike Shanahan’s claims that the Redskins will take a quarterback with this pick are untrue, then Williams could very well be the third Sooner to come off the board in the first four picks this year. Okung is regarded as the best offensive tackle in the draft, but Williams is a better fit for Washington’s new zone-blocking scheme, making him the choice here. He’s an excellent all-around blocker and has the potential to immediately fill the void left by Chris Samuels on the Redskins’ O-line.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
With Okung still on the board, the Chiefs’ selection of Bulaga would be viewed as a surprise. But there are always surprises in the top 10, so I’m taking a shot with this prediction. GM Scott Pioli has a close relationship with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, so Pioli has probably heard plenty of positive things about Bulaga. With KC’s need for an offensive tackle, this selection makes a lot of sense outside of the fact that I have the Chiefs passing on Okung. Either way, my belief is that KC will wind up selecting one of the OTs with this pick if they don’t trade down.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
The Seahawks desperately need left tackle help and if Okung is still available (which I fully admit is a reach), then this is a slam dunk pick. But keep your eye on Tennessee safety Eric Berry and Clemson running back C.J. Spiller here too. If the Hawks wind up with one of these players, Pete Carroll could easily take his former USC offensive tackle Charles Brown at No. 14.

7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
After all the moves new team president Mike Holmgren made this offseason, the final piece of the puzzle is acquiring a safety. If Berry slips past Seattle at No. 6, then I fully believe he’ll be the Browns’ pick here. If he doesn’t, then Cleveland might select Florida’s Joe Haden and move the newly acquired Sheldon Brown to safety. Of course, if another team wants Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen bad enough, Holmgren could possibly trade down, scoop up extra picks and address his need at safety later in the first round.

8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
I’ve updated this selection from Jimmy Clausen to Campbell. I think I liked the novelty of Clausen being selected by Oakland more than I believed it would happen, probably because nobody has really talked about the idea much. But at the end of the day, I don’t think wacky Al Davis will admit he was wrong about JaMarcus Russell by drafting Clausen. In fact, I think it’s more possible that the Raiders will wind up with Ben Roethlisberger than Clausen. After officially running a 4.85 40-yard dash and repping 225 pounds 34 times on the bench press at the Combine, Campbell has became a workout sensation and therefore, the perfect Davis prospect. Campbell is also viewed as the offensive lineman most likely to turn out to be a bust, which once again makes him a logical fit for Oakland. If the Raiders do draft Clausen I’ll be kicking myself for changing the pick, but something tells me I have a better shot of being right with Campbell here.

9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Buffalo has been brought up by some as a possible landing spot for Big Ben, but chances are they’re not going to take a risk like that. The Bills don’t have enough pieces to fit around Roethlisberger and probably wouldn’t want to pony up to pay him either. If they’re going to invest money on a quarterback, it might as well be a development project like Clausen, who could mature along with the Bills’ young offensive line. Assuming another team doesn’t trade ahead of Buffalo in order to nab him, Clausen is a logical fit and certainly makes sense given the team’s need at quarterback. The Bills could start Trent Edwards again next season while Clausen learns for a year, then he can take over in 2011. If the Bills pass on Clausen or he’s off the board, then I think an offensive tackle like Anthony Davis of Rutgers makes sense as well.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
If either Clausen or Spiller is still available here, I fully expect GM Gene Smith to try and trade this pick to a team that wants to move up. But if Jacksonville stays put, I envision them taking McClain or a pass rusher such as Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan. If McClain is the choice, then he would give the Jags a physical presence in the middle of their defense. He would also allow Daryl Smith and Justin Durant to play on the outside, giving Jacksonville a very talented linebacker corps.

11. Denver Broncos: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Usually when a prediction makes too much sense, it won’t happen. But after the Broncos traded Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins last week, it seems like a forgone conclusion that they’ll take Bryant with this pick. The former Cowboy has been criticized for being lazy, unmotivated and even has come under fire for having a “diva” attitude. But if you read between the lines, it appears that the reports on Bryant have been overblown. While Denver doesn’t want to take the chance on drafting the next Marshall, the team is in desperate need of more offensive playmakers, which Bryant could certainly supply. He’s a fantastic athlete if he’s motivated and he could turn out to be a steal at this pick.

12. Miami Dolphins: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
I’ve updated this pick from Derrick Morgan to Kindle. There’s a lot of buzz that if Morgan is available here, he’s a slam dunk for the Dolphins and that’s why I originally had him penciled in at this spot. But it’s usually the names you don’t hear about that wind up being selected. Miami needs a pass rusher more than anything and even though he’s regarded as the best defensive end in the draft, Morgan really isn’t a prototypical pass-rusher. After losing Joey Porter and Jason Taylor this offseason, the Dolphins need somebody that can come off the edge and give them a rush from the outside linebacker position. Kindle is that player – Morgan isn’t. Kindle is explosive, strong and a powerful tackler – all things Bill Parcells covets out of his defenders.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
If Clausen falls this far, I fully believe that the 49ers would take him here. But with Clausen off the board, acting GM Trent Baalke will take the best player available, meaning Haden or Spiller depending on whom the Niners have at the top of their draft board. There’s a possibility that both Haden and Spiller could be gone and then San Fran would likely take the best offensive tackle available, but with the Florida CB still on the board in this mock, he’s the pick. Nate Clements has lost a step the past two years and there’s only marginal talent behind him on the depth chart. Haden is a true playmaker and easily the best corner prospect in the draft.

14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
I may have this pick backwards, as Seattle could take Spiller at No. 6 and then take an offensive tackle here. Either way, if the Hawks nab Spiller with either of their first round picks, they’d be taking an explosive playmaker that is a dangerous threat as a back, receiver and return man. He isn’t durable enough to take the pounding as a primary back, but Pete Carroll could use him in a similar fashion to how he used Reggie Bush at USC.

15. New York Giants: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
In my previous two mocks, I had the Giants selecting Florida’s Brandon Spikes, which makes sense given how badly the G-Men need a middle linebacker. But none of the middle linebackers that would be available at this pick – Spikes, Penn State’s Sean Lee, Washington’s Donald Butler or Mississippi State’s Jamar Chaney – are top 15 picks. That doesn’t mean the Giants won’t reach for one of those players (reaches happen all the time in the first round), but unless McClain falls to New York here, I’m starting to buy into the Pierre-Paul selection. If the Giants take the raw, but highly talented Pierre-Paul at No. 15, they could trade the disgruntled Osi Umeniyora later in the draft. So to recap this befuddled prediction, I think if McClain is still on the board here, the Giants will take him. If not, Pierre-Paul would be the pick and if not him, then Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon. Or Spikes…or Lee…or a punter…

16. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
I had the Titans taking Florida’s Carlos Dunlap in my previous two mocks, but Dunlap has seemingly fallen off the radar in terms of pre-draft discussion. There’s a good chance that Morgan won’t fall this far, but if he gets past Miami at No. 12 he could free fall a bit. Another possibility at this spot is Michigan’s Brandon Graham, but either way I think Tennessee addresses the defensive end position.

17. San Francisco 49ers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
The 49ers are the hardest team to predict in round one as they could go in a variety of directions. If Spiller is somehow still available here, they could take him. If they don’t nab a cornerback at No. 13, then Boise’s Kyle Wilson is a possibility as well. But at some point, they need to address their deficiencies on the offensive line and while Davis might be off the board by this pick, he’s the best OT available and fills a needs.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
The Steelers desperately need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line after the team’s ground game once again suffered in 2009. Pouncey is far and away the best center available in the draft and most teams have a first round grade on him. Given his ability to start immediately at either center or both guard positions, he’ll be a high commodity in the first round.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
I feel as though the fate of the Falcons’ pick rests with the decisions of the Giants and Steelers. If the Giants take Weatherspoon at No. 15, then the Falcons will likely target Pouncey. But if both Weatherspoon and Pouncey are off the board, GM Thomas Dimitroff may trade this pick in order to move down and reclaim the second round pick that he parted with last year in the Tony Gonzalez trade. Pierre-Paul and Graham are also options, seeing as how the Falcons need a pass rusher. But in the end, Weatherspoon is available in this mock and Atlanta is likely to pounce on him seeing as how they need more playmakers in their defensive front seven. A sleeper would be wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, although that seems far-fetched given Atlanta’s needs.

20. Houston Texans: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
The Texans could go in a variety of directions here, including offensive line and running back. But for the last two years I’ve predicted that Houston would take a running back in round one, only to see the Texans make a mockery (no pun intended) of my picks for them. This year I’m not taking the bait on the possibility of them drafting a running back to split carries with Steve Slaton. That said, Ryan Matthews is probably a freaking lock at this spot, but I digress. After losing Dunta Robinson to the Falcons via free agency, the Texans have a huge hole at cornerback and Williams’ stock rose dramatically during Senior Bowl week. He’s a flat out playmaker and while his size is a little concerning, he has the speed and athleticism to hopefully make the fans in Houston forget about Robinson.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
The Bengals entered the 2010 offseason with one mission: dramatically improve their dismal passing game. The signing of receiver Antonio Bryant confirms that Cincy is committed to upgrading its offense and the addition of Gresham in the first round would be another positive step in giving quarterback Carson Palmer more receiving weapons. After having surgery on his right knee, Gresham missed the entire 2009 season, which obviously sends up red flags to teams. But so far, he has been impressive in pre-draft workouts and all scouts have to do is pop on tape of his 2008 season to realize how much potential he has. He’s an excellent athlete with soft hands and uses his body well in space. He also has prototypical size (6’5”, 260 pounds), is a decent blocker and has a great work ethic.

22. New England Patriots: Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State
With Michigan’s Brandon Graham still on the board, the Patriots might take a chance on him becoming the next LaMarr Woodley. But Ordrick is a great fit for the 3-4 and while he’s an unspectacular player, he’s steady and shows a lot of potential. After losing Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green over the past year, New England is desperate to upgrade its pass-rush. Odrick does a great job getting off the ball quickly, although he struggles getting off blocks sometimes. He uses his hands well and can get up field quickly to crash the pocket but he’ll have to learn how to play with proper leverage at the next level. He’s not an elite prospect, but Belichick knows how to get the most out of his players and could certainly teach a hard worker such as Odrick.

23. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
The Packers could go in a variety of directions with this pick, including left tackle and cornerback. But while Florida State CB Patrick Robinson has a first round grade and would provide depth behind Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, some teams are apparently worried about his inconsistency. Thompson could always find corners later in the draft, so I think he’ll wait to address that need. If they don’t trade down, Graham makes a ton of sense at this spot assuming he’s available. Despite my suggesting that he’s a weight lifter posing as football player, Clay Matthews turned out to be a great pick last year for the Pack. He gave Dom Capers an excellent pass rusher in his 3-4 scheme and Graham could be a solid complement to Matthews on the opposite side. Green Bay needs to find a replacement for Aaron Kampman (who wasn’t a great fit for the 3-4 anyway), and the hard-working Graham could help fill that void. He was arguably the most impressive player at this year’s Senior Bowl and while he doesn’t have the prototypical size that scouts look for, there’s no denying that he’s an all-around solid football player with good bulk and a non-stop motor.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Earl Thomas, S, Texas
The Eagles were candidates to take an outside linebacker such as Texas’ Sergio Kindle with this pick, but after fleecing the Lions in a trade for Ernie Sims, that need has been addressed. Many people believe that Thomas won’t make it this far and I agree. (Houston may take him a few spots ahead of Philly at No. 21, as could Jacksonville at No. 10.) But in this mock, everything falls right for a Philadelphia team that has upgraded its defense with a couple of solid offseason moves. Thomas has excellent athleticism and matches up well in coverage, something he’ll be doing a lot of in the Eagles’ defensive scheme.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
If Odrick gets past New England, then I think he’s the pick here. But with him off the board, I believe the Ravens will beef up their defensive line by adding a player in Williams that offers major value and address a need. If Williams is off the board, then I see Baltimore addressing their cornerback need.

26. Arizona Cardinals: Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana
After signing Joey Porter and acquiring Kamerion Wimbley via a trade with the Browns earlier this offseason, the Cards filled their need for outside linebackers that can rush the passer. With quarterback Kurt Warner now enjoying retirement life, Ken Whisenhunt is likely to revolve his offense around running back Beanie Wells. The best way to ensure that a back remains happy and productive is to build him a solid O-line.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
I’ve had Mays listed here in my previous two mocks, but the more I think about it the more I believe he’s a candidate to fall based on the uncertainty of whether or not he’ll play linebacker or safety. Thomas is going in the first round – I just don’t know where. I don’t know if he’ll fall this far, or if another team will trade back into the bottom of the first round to get him, but I do know that he’ll be taken among the first 32 picks. Miles Austin emerged as a true No. 1 receiver last year, but Roy Williams is still a dud on the other side. Jerry Jones could serve warning at this pick and also give Tony Romo another weapon in the passing game.

28. San Diego Chargers: Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
Normally when things look too good to be true when it comes to matching players up with certain teams, it usually is. But in the case of Best and the Chargers, I can’t resist pairing these two together. The Bolts are desperate for running back help and they need a complement to Darren Sproles now that LaDainian Tomlinson is off to New York. Best is a phenomenal athlete and up until he suffered a freak injury at the tale end of the 2009 season, he was on pace to challenge for the Heisman. Considering he went to Cal, this seems like the perfect fit but then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if San Diego took a long look at Fresno State’s Ryan Matthews either.

29. New York Jets: Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
Iupati just seems like a Rex Ryan type of player, doesn’t he? Now, there’s a good chance that Iupati won’t be available when the Jets pick here and I fully admit that this selection is based on the rumor that the team will either trade or release Alan Faneca at some point this offseason. That said, this would be a great sleeper pick for the Jets, especially if they do decide to part ways with Faneca. If Iupati is off the board, the Jets might take someone like TCU’s Jerry Hughes to give Ryan another pass-rusher to play with.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Taylor Mays, S, USC
The Vikings’ most pressing need is at safety and assuming Brad Childress and company view Mays as a safety and not a linebacker, then he makes a ton of sense here. Mays is a tough, instinctive defender that can absolutely lay the wood on ball carriers. He would bring some toughness to Minnesota’s secondary, something that has been lacking over the years. If he’s off the board or the Vikes pass, then I could see them selecting a cornerback like Virginia’s Chris Cook or Rutgers’ Devin McCourty.

31. Indianapolis Colts: Charles Brown, OT, USC
The Colts are always one of the hardest teams to predict in mock drafts because there never seems to be any rumors surrounding them at this time of year. That said, they have a need at offensive tackle and Brown is apparently moving up the draft boards. If he’s available, he could make fans forget about Tony Ugoh, who has turned out to be a massive bust following a very promising rookie campaign.

32. New Orleans Saints: Jerry Hughes, LB, TCU
After cutting Charles Grant in the offseason, I envisioned the Saints selecting Griffin to help fill the void left at defensive end. But after they recently inked Alex Brown to a two-year contract, that need has been filled. Outside linebacker continues to be a need, however, and Hughes would be a solid fit. He’s extremely athletic and his up-tempo style of play would work well on the Superdome’s carpet. He’s a little undersized and lacks bulk, but he’s aggressive and he works well in coverage.

Updated 4/21/10 7:30PM ET.

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2010 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0

Anthony Stalter — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:38:47 +0000

With the Redskins’ acquisition of Donovan McNabb, it’s a perfect time to update my mock draft. In my first mock, I had the Redskins taking Jimmy Clausen at No. 4, but with their need at quarterback being filled with the trade for McNabb, the dynamics in the top 10 have changed.

Here’s my second crack at predicting the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

(Side note: If I have the team selecting the same player as I did in my first mock, then my explanation of the pick will be the same in most occasions.)

1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
I have Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh rated as the unquestioned best player in this year’s draft. (Well, I don’t have an official ranking per se, but in my head he’s No. 1.) But that doesn’t mean I think the Rams will take him. Teams usually get quirky about the No. 1 overall pick. They feel as though they have to match the contract with the position in order to justify the player they’re taking, which is completely backwards when you think about it. A team should mostly be concerned with taking the right player that matches their scheme. But I digress. Bradford is the top rated quarterback and the Rams have a major need at the position now that the ultra-brutal Marc Bulger has been released. The Rams feel as though they need to breathe some excitement into their dull franchise and taking Bradford should do the trick. Is he the right player? That’s debatable.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Their trade for DT Corey Williams kind of throws me off a little, but I still think that if Suh is available the Lions won’t pass on him. Jim Schwartz built one hell of a defense in Tennessee centered around Albert Haynesworth and he could view Suh the same way. He’s a difference-maker up front and regardless of whether or not he and Williams play the same position, if Suh is as good as I think he is then Schwartz will find a way to utilize him. Offensive tackle Russell Okung has been mentioned at this pick but again, if Suh is available I can’t see the Lions leaving him on the board.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
If the Rams wind up taking Bradford with the top pick, you might be able to hear the sounds of screams and jubilation coming from Tampa. That’s because the Bucs would love to land one of the two stud defensive tackles in this draft and if Bradford goes No. 1, then either Suh or McCoy would slip to Tampa here. Some people are down on McCoy after he only benched 225 pounds 23 times at the combine, but that’s not a justifiable reason for his stock to slip. A lot of defensive tackles are forced to shed weight for the combine and when they do, they lose strength in the process. Besides, not taking a player because of how he performed on the bench at the combine is ridiculous notion anyway. McCoy would be a great fit for the Bucs.

4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Our first change. After acquiring McNabb from Philadelphia, the Redskins’ biggest need now becomes protecting their new toy. While Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung is the top rated tackle on most draft boards, he isn’t a better fit than Williams in Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. Williams is light on his feet, agile, and quick while moving laterally, which are all vital characteristics for an offensive lineman to possess when playing in the zone-blocking scheme. Okung is a terrific athlete as well, but can play tall at times and is more of a mauler than a technician.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Chiefs sunk a ton of money into quarterback Matt Cassel last year, so it would be wise if they took the necessary steps to keep him upright. Okung is regarded by most to be the top offensive linemen in the draft, although he’s not necessary an elite prospect. Still, he’s a good all-around player that could play at either tackle position and would surely upgrade Kansas City’s under performing (that’s a kind way of saying “brutal”) offensive line.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
The Seahawks could go in several directions here – including Berry, whom I had them taking in my first mock. But after acquiring Charlie Whitehurst from San Diego, Pete Carroll needs to rebuild the Seahawks’ offense from the inside out. That means drafting a mauler like Bulaga in the first round to help anchor the team’s struggling offensive line. Bulaga might not get past Kansas City at No. 5 seeing as how Chiefs’ GM Scott Pioli has a close relationship with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. But if he does, the Seahawks would be wise to pounce on him and fill the big void at their offensive tackle spot. If Bulaga goes one spot ahead of the Seahawks, Okung might be there for the taking.

7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
After trading for Sheldon Brown a couple of weeks ago, cornerback is no longer the Browns’ most pressing need. That would be safety, which they could address by selecting Berry with this pick. If he slips past the Seahawks at No. 6, I have a hard time believing that Mike Holmgren would pass on Berry, who could upgrade an already underrated Cleveland secondary immediately. Berry is the type of thumper that the Browns need to help in run support and over in the middle in coverage, a la Bob Sanders of the Colts.

8. Oakland Raiders: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Ever since the Redskins traded for McNabb, I’ve been sounding off the Clausen-to-Oakland horns. But everything depends on whether or not Al Davis is ready to dump JaMarcus Russell, who may wind up being the biggest bust in NFL history. Clausen is NFL-ready after playing in Charlie Weis’ system at Notre Dame and has the swagger that Davis covets in his players. He’s also a student of the game, which is something Russell doesn’t have a clue about. If Davis mans up and cuts his losses with Russell, Clausen should be there for the taking at No. 8.

9. Buffalo Bills: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
With Bulaga coming off the board at No. 6, Davis becomes the best offensive tackle on the board. With the selections of Eric Wood and Andy Levitre in last year’s draft, the Bills showed that they are committed to rebuilding their offensive line. The Bills have needs in other areas (WR, QB, etc.), they could pair Davis up with Wood and Levitre for the foreseeable future and then address other positions later in the draft. If they’re feeling frisky, Dez Bryant is a possibility here, as is Jimmy Clausen if he gets past Oakland at No. 8.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
I’ve decided that Bryant was a little risky for the Jaguars at No. 10 and a more sensible choice for them would be either a linebacker or a defensive end at this pick. After signing free agent Aaron Kampman and re-signing Reggie Hayward in the offseason, I was leaning towards Jacksonville taking linebacker Rolando McClain with this pick. However, Kampman and Hayward are both in their 30s now, so the Jags really didn’t do much to upgrade their defensive end position long-term. Plus, Hayward was only re-signed for one year and is coming off an injury-riddled 2009 season. Outside of Dez Bryant, Morgan is arguably the best player left on the board and is more of a long-term solution at defensive end for Jacksonville. The Jags racked up a league-worst 14 sacks in ’09, so it doesn’t hurt for them to add as many pass rushers as they can.

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago): Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
It’s hard to predict what the Broncos will do on draft day without knowing whether or not Brandon Marshall will be traded. If he is, then Denver might select Dez Bryant here, seeing as how they would be completely devoid of offensive playmakers without Marshall. But with Marshall still on the roster, McClain is the pick and I think he’s a perfect fit at inside linebacker in new offensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s scheme. McClain is versatile enough to play either inside or outside in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme given his size (6’4”, 258 pounds) and speed (he runs a 4.6 40-yard dash), and should be the first linebacker taken in April.

12. Miami Dolphins: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida
There’s a lot of speculation that Bryant will slip into the 20s on draft day, but I think that’s a ridiculous notion. First of all, his “troubled past” seems to be overblown and secondly, not too many teams are going to pass on a player of his talent. If Randy Moss (who was much more of a risk) didn’t make it past pick No. 21, neither will Bryant. The Dolphins have a major need for pass rushers, but Bill Parcells can shop for those later in the draft. What Miami needs most is more playmaking talent on the offensive side of the ball. Ted Ginn Jr. might be a dangerous kick returner, but it doesn’t appear that he’ll live up to expectations and become a true No. 1 wideout. Bryant has all the tools to become Chad Henne’s go-to guy and with Parcells overseeing things, the Oklahoma State product will be kept in line.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
With Williams off the board, I don’t think the 49ers will reach on an offensive tackle such as Maryland’s Bruce Campbell, who carries a second round grade. Instead, with Haden falling out of the top 10 in this mock, he could potentially upgrade a secondary that offers marginal talent after Nate Clements, who has lost a step in the past two years. Haden is an outstanding playmaker and I would be surprised if he fell out of the top 15. Top flight cornerbacks don’t fall too far in the first round and considering Haden is the best of the bunch this year, he makes sense at this spot.

14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
With Morgan off the board, the Seahawks take the next best defensive end in Pierre-Paul. Many people expect the Seahawks to address their offense with each of their first round picks, but they need to add a pass-rusher to help a depleted defense. Patrick Kerney isn’t getting any younger and his play has dramatically fallen off in each of the last two years. Pierre-Paul is an explosive athlete with a fantastic motor and might even be less of a risk than Morgan.

15. New York Giants: Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
I know, I know – this would probably be a reach. But with McClain coming off the board at No. 11, Spikes makes sense for a couple of reasons. GM Jerry Reese has a history of drafting for need (see Aaron Ross and Kenny Phillips) and the Giants’ most pressing need right now is middle linebacker. Reese also likes players that were productive in college (again, see Ross and Phillips) and there’s no question Spikes (307 career tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss) was productive while at Florida. Yes, Spikes would be a bit of a reach here but with the team’s signing of safety Antrel Rolle, I believe Reese will target and fill the Giants’ most pressing need.

16. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
The Titans have a huge void at defensive end now that Kyle Vanden Bosch has signed with the Lions and Dunlap is the best defensive end on the board (although some would argue for Michigan’s Brandon Graham). The Titans’ pass defense struggled mightily in 2010, but part of that was because the team couldn’t generate an effective pass rush. After receiving a DUI before the Sugar Bowl this year, Dunlap’s character has been questioned. But there’s no denying his talent and if the Titans can look past his one big mistake, they could wind up with a great prospect with a high ceiling.

17. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
There’s a possibility that Spiller won’t fall this far and there’s also a chance that the Niners could grab him at No. 13. But in this mock, everything works out perfectly for San Fran as Spiller falls. The Clemson product is a dynamic playmaker and could be a great complement to Frank Gore. The Niners could use him in a variety of ways, including lining him up in the slot and taking advantage of his excellent pass-catching abilities. He has durability issues and therefore shouldn’t be counted on to be a primary back, but that wouldn’t be a problem for the Niners with Gore already on the roster. Plus, Spiller would finally give San Fran the threat in the return game that it has sorely needed for years. The 49ers might also tab one of the best remaining offensive tackles at this spot too, especially if Spiller is off the board.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
I realize this isn’t a very sexy pick, but the Steelers need a major upgrade on the interior of their offensive line. Right guard Trai Essex is as close to a disaster as you can get in both the run blocking and pass protection. In fact, there’s a good chance that as long as Iupati proves that he can chance his socks in the morning that the Steelers will trust him enough to start over Essex. While still a very raw prospect, Iupati has excellent size and has a huge frame with long arms. He’s an outstanding athlete with great mobility and explosion, and would immediately upgrade the Steelers’ run blocking.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
A lot of people expect the Falcons to take a pass-rusher with this pick after they signed free agent Dunta Robinson to upgrade their secondary. But even though former first round pick Jamaal Anderson has been a massive bust, the Falcons really like youngsters Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury and believe they will develop. If that indeed is the case, then outside linebacker would move to the top of Atlanta’s needs. Mike Peterson won’t play forever and while he’s a steady player, Stephen Nicholas isn’t the game-changer the Falcons want alongside middle linebacker Curtis Lofton. Weatherspoon, who is a fantastic athlete with great speed and burst, is the type of sideline-to-sideline playmaker that the Falcons covet. Other options at this spot are Sergio Kindle, Carlos Dunlap, Kyle Williams or even an offensive lineman.

23. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
The Packers could go in a variety of directions with this pick, including left tackle and cornerback. But none of the available offensive tackles (Vladimir Ducasse, Bruce Campbell, Charles Brown) are first round prospects and thus, Ted Thompson would be reaching by selecting one of them here. Florida State CB Patrick Robinson has a first round grade and would provide depth behind Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, but some teams are worried about his inconsistency and Thompson could find corners later in the draft. If they don’t trade down, Graham makes a ton of sense at this spot assuming he’s available. Despite my suggesting that he’s a weight lifter posing as football player, Clay Matthews turned out to be a great pick last year for the Pack. He gave Dom Capers an excellent pass rusher in his 3-4 scheme and Graham could be a solid complement to Matthews on the opposite side. Green Bay needs to find a replacement for Aaron Kampman (who wasn’t a great fit for the 3-4 anyway), and the hard-working Graham could help fill that void. He was arguably the most impressive player at this year’s Senior Bowl and while he doesn’t have the prototypical size that scouts look for, there’s no denying that he’s an all-around solid football player with good bulk and a non-stop motor.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
For a team that made the playoffs last year, the Eagles have plenty of holes to fill before Week 1. They could stand to add depth or even a starter at several spots on their offensive line and they probably need to add another back at some point to complement “Shady” McCoy. Defensively, they needed a defensive end opposite Trent Cole, but they filled that void by acquiring Darryl Tapp from the Seahawks. Safety is another area of need, but I think if Kindle is on the board than he would be more of a risk than a guy like Taylor Mays. There’s a good chance that Kindle (who is the best OLB prospect in the draft) won’t last this long, but if things break right for the Eagles, he would finally give Philly a playmaker that they desperately need from their linebacker position. Even with Cole and Tapp already on board, Kindle could give the Eagles another pass-rusher in their 4-3 scheme.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
I’m convinced that the Ravens will take a cornerback, I’m just not completely sold on which one. After filling their biggest need of the offseason by acquiring receiver Anquan Boldin, the Ravens can turn their attention to addressing voids on their defense. Adding another pass rusher would certainly be beneficial and if Jared Odrick is available, I don’t see them passing on him. However, while Dominique Foxworth and his big contract are entrenched at one corner spot, Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are coming off serious knee injuries and there’s not much depth behind them. Rumor has it that an important presence was on hand for the Ravens at McCourty’s Pro Day in March, which may signal that they’re leaning towards him. Of course, Florida State’s Patrick Robinson is still a possibility here as well.

26. Arizona Cardinals: Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts
The Cardinals are in the midst of a major changing of the guard. Kurt Warner retired, Anquan Boldin was traded to Baltimore and Karlos Dansby moved on to greener pastures. Even though Ken Whisenhunt will keep the same offense intact, there’s no doubt that his philosophy will have to change. Matt Leinart isn’t a gunslinger and if he winds up beating out Derek Anderson for the starting quarterback job, then the Cards will become a run-first team with Beanie Wells being the focus. That said, look for them to upgrade their offensive tackle position with a prospect such as Ducasse or Maryland’s Bruce Campbell. They could also address their need for a pass rusher with this pick, but my money’s on them upgrading the offensive line seeing as how Wells is now their meal ticket.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays, S, USC
I’ve been conflicted on where Mays will wind up, but I think this is an appropriate spot for him. Some teams view him as a safety, others as an undersized linebacker. Some pundits still believe he could still be the elite prospect that he was before returning to USC his senior year, while others think he’s overrated. But after a great showing at the Senior Bowl and scouting combine, I think Jerry Jones will jump at the chance to add a high risk, high reward prospect such as Mays to upgrade his secondary.

29. New York Jets: Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
After recently trading for Santonio Holmes, wide receiver is no longer a pressing need for the Jets so Tate no longer makes sense. The Jets don’t have any pressing needs on defense, but giving Rex Ryan another pass rusher to play with is never a bad idea. Hughes just seems like a Ryan-type player based on his athleticism and speed. He’s not a fit at end in a 3-4, but he could certainly stand up and play as an edge rusher a la Terrell Suggs (only, Hughes doesn’t have Suggs’ size). As soon as the Jets give up on mega-bust Vernon Gholston, Hughes could fit right in.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Cook carries a second or even a third round grade, but if history is any indication, that means nothing this late in the first round. A team like the Vikings that doesn’t have many holes to fill can select the player they want without worrying about getting value. Cook might not be there when Minnesota drafts in the second round and rumor has it they’re in love with the Virginia product, who gives the Vikes’ insurance in case Cedric Griffin suffers a setback with his ACL injury.

31. Indianapolis Colts: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
GM Bill Polian was publicly critical of the Colts’ offensive line play after the Super Bowl and now that Tony Ugoh has turned out to be a massive disappointment, there’s a good chance Indy will address its tackle need here. Campbell is a raw prospect, but he has outstanding size (6’6”, 314) and could benefit from being coached by an outstanding staff.

32. New Orleans Saints: Daryl Washington, LB, TCU
Mock Draft 1.0 Pick: Everson Griffin, DE, USC
After cutting Charles Grant in the offseason, I envisioned the Saints selecting Griffin to help fill the void left at defensive end. But after they recently inked Alex Brown to a two-year contract, that need has been filled. Outside linebacker continues to be a need, however, and Washington would be a solid fit. He’s extremely athletic and his up-tempo style of play would work well on the Superdome’s carpet. He’s a little undersized and lacks bulk, but he’s aggressive and he works well in coverage.

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2010 NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0

Anthony Stalter — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:15:36 +0000

The full mock is finally completed!

I waited a lot longer than I normally do to compile my first mock draft of the year. Normally I whip up my first batch of mock draft right after the scouting combine, but this year I wanted to see what happened at the start of free agency before I even remotely considered whom teams would select in April.

I get as excited as any true draftnik about mock drafts, but how could anyone venture a guess at what player a team will select without knowing what big free agents signed where? It’s like taking a long road trip to a place you’ve never been before without your GPS. (Wow, have the times changed. A couple of years ago, I would have ended that sentence with “without your map” but that damn technology continues to track us down like a bear preying on an injured deer.)

Below is my first crack at predicting the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. As usual, feel free to argue my picks as much as you like but please, debate with some dignity. Don’t be the doucher that ruins the fun of mock drafts by spewing venom in the comments section of a sports blog. There may not be anything more pathetic.

1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
I have Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh rated as the unquestioned best player in this year’s draft. (Well, I don’t have an official ranking per se, but in my head he’s No. 1.) But that doesn’t mean I think the Rams will take him. Teams usually get funny about the No. 1 overall pick. They feel as though they have to match the contract with the position in order to justify the player they’re taking, which is completely backwards when you think about it. A team should be most concerned with taking the right player that matches their scheme. But I digress. Bradford is the top rated quarterback and the Rams have a major need at the position with Marc Bulger proving over the past two years that he’s better suited to run the scout team offense in practice and then the first unit on Sundays. The Rams feel as though they need to breathe some excitement into their dull franchise and taking Bradford should do the trick. Is he the right player? That’s debatable.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Their trade for DT Corey Williams kind of throws me off a little, but I still think that if Suh is available the Lions won’t pass him up. Jim Schwartz built one hell of a defense in Tennessee centered around Albert Haynesworth and he could view Suh the same way. He’s a difference-maker up front and regardless of whether or not he and Williams play the same position, if Suh is as good as I think he is then Schwartz will find a way to utilize him.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
If the Rams do wind up taking Bradford with the top pick, you might be able to hear the sounds of screams and jubilation coming from Tampa. That’s because the Bucs would love to land one of the two stud defensive tackles in this draft and if Bradford goes No. 1, then either Suh or McCoy would slip to Tampa here. Some people are down on McCoy after he only benched 225 pounds 23 times at the combine, but that’s not a justifiable reason for his stock to slip. A lot of defensive tackles are forced to shed weight for the combine and when they do, they lose strength in the process. Besides, not taking a player because of how he performed on the bench in the combine is ridiculous notion anyway. McCoy would be a great fit for the Bucs.

4. Washington Redskins: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
I would love to write OT Russell Okung’s name here, but he’s not really a fit for Mike Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Plus, even though the Redskins extended a first-round tender to restricted free agent Jason Campbell, it doesn’t mean Shanahan and more specifically, Daniel Snyder, are satisfied with their QB situation. If the Skins take Clausen here, the clock on Campbell’s (if he doesn’t request a trade) time in Washington will start ticking. Campbell could start in 2010 until Clausen is ready to take over the reigns in 2011.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Chiefs sunk a ton of money into quarterback Matt Cassel last year, so it would be wise if they took the necessary steps to keep him upright. Okung is the top offensive linemen in the draft, although he’s not necessary an elite prospect. Still, he’s a good all-around player that could play at either tackle position and would surely upgrade Kansas City’s under performing (that’s a kind way of saying “brutal”) offensive line.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Yikes – what do I do here? The Hawks have been linked to Brandon Marshall and Kevin Kolb this offseason, so there’s a possibility that they won’t have this selection come April. But I don’t predict trades in my mocks and seeing as how Bradford, Clausen and Okung are already off the board I’ll admit I’m a little lost as to whom Seattle would take here. However, with Berry slipping in this mock, he seems like an ideal fit for a team that needs starters at both safety positions. and he would also be the best player available. Berry is the type of player that could make an immediate impact in his rookie year, depending on how well he grasped a team’s scheme and playbook, of course.

7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Given Mike Holmgren’s free agent moves thus far (OT Tony Pashos, LB Scott Fujita, QB Seneca Wallace), it appears that the Browns will target the secondary with this pick, whether it’s a safety or cornerback. Berry would be an ideal fit for Cleveland, but with him going to Seattle one pick before Haden makes a lot of sense here. Some scouts have expressed concern with his top end speed, but anyone who watched Haden play at Florida knows that he’s an excellent athlete with good size and coverage skills. The Browns need one starter at cornerback and one at safety and they should fill one of those voids with this pick.

8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
This pick might be too logical for Al Davis’ liking, but the fact of the matter is that the offensive tackle position has been a major need for the Raiders for quite awhile now. There are some concerns about Davis’ conditioning habits, but he’s the most physically gifted lineman in the draft and he’s the type of athlete that Al Davis covets.

9. Buffalo Bills: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
With the selections of Eric Wood and Andy Levitre in last year’s draft, the Bills showed that they are committed to rebuilding the offensive line. Bulaga put himself on the map by making top defensive end prospect Derrick Morgan a non-factor in the Orange Bowl this year and has the type of work ethic teams covet from draft prospects. While the Bills have needs at other areas (QB, WR, etc.), the thought of Bulaga anchoring their line might be too hard for Buffalo to pass up.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Second year GM Gene Smith is an advocate for taking the best player available regardless of position, which is why he selected offensive tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton in the first two rounds of last year’s draft, even though they play the same position. In this mock, the best players available would arguably be Bryant and Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan. And with the Jags already filling their defensive end need with the signing of free agent Aaron Kampman, Bryant would make the most sense. Many teams are concerned with what is being deemed as Bryant’s “diva” attitude, but he’s such an outstanding prospect that he’s kind of a steal at No. 10. In fact, many scouts believe that he’s just as good of a prospect as Michael Crabtree was.

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago): Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
If Bryant didn’t come off the board at No. 10, I could certainly see the Broncos tabbing him to replace Brandon Marshall if/when the receiver is traded. Denver would be hurting for playmakers on the offensive side of the ball without Marshall and Bryant could help them address that need. But with Bryant gone, McClain is the pick and I think he’s a perfect fit at inside linebacker in new offensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s scheme. McClain is versatile enough to play either inside or outside in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme given his size (6’4”, 258 pounds) and speed (he runs a 4.6 40-yard dash), and should be the first linebacker taken in April.

12. Miami Dolphins: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida
Many mocks have Derrick Morgan long gone by this point and most have him rated higher than Pierre-Paul. But Morgan isn’t the ideal fit for Miami as Pierre-Paul is, which is the reason I have the Dolphins taking the South Florida product at this spot and not Morgan. Bill Parcells understands Miami’s need for a pass rusher, especially after the team released Joey Porter this offseason. Paired with the new addition Karlos Dansby and veteran Channing Crowder, Pierre-Paul could give the Dolphins the edge-rusher they so desperately need.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
The 49ers could go in a couple different directions here because they also pick at No. 17, but they’re desperate for offensive tackle help and won’t risk Williams coming off the board. The Oklahoma product is a tad short and doesn’t have real long arms, but he’s a great athlete and has outstanding strength. He’s also extremely tough and plays with a nasty demeanor, which are two characteristics that Mike Singletary will love to have in the trenches. Williams also got loads of experience while playing at Oklahoma and was a three-year starter.

14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
As I noted in the Dolphins’ write up, many mocks have Morgan coming off the board well before this spot. In fact, some have him going to the Seahawks with the No. 6 pick. But in this mock, he slipped to this spot and I doubt he’ll fall out of the top 15. I know many people believe the Hawks will address their offense with their two first round picks, but if both Berry and Morgan fall to them at No. 6 and No. 14, they could dramatically upgrade their defense. Running back C.J. Spiller is another candidate for the Seahawks if Morgan is long gone at this spot, as is safety Taylor Mays.

17. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
There’s a possibility that Spiller won’t fall this far and there’s also a chance that the Niners could grab him at No. 13 and fill their offensive tackle need with this pick. But in this mock, everything works out perfectly for San Fran as Spiller falls. The Clemson product is a dynamic playmaker and could be a great complement to Frank Gore. The Niners could use him in a variety of ways, including lining him up in the slot and taking advantage of his excellent pass-catching abilities. He has durability issues and therefore shouldn’t be counted on to be a primary back, but that wouldn’t be a problem for the Niners with Gore already on the roster. Plus, Spiller would finally give San Fran the threat in the return game that it has sorely needed for years.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Witherspoon, LB, Missouri
A lot of people expect the Falcons to take a pass-rusher with this pick after they signed free agent Dunta Robinson to upgrade their secondary. But even though former first round pick Jamaal Anderson has been a massive bust, the Falcons really like youngsters Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury and believe they will develop. If that’s the case, then outside linebacker would move to the top of Atlanta’s needs. Mike Peterson won’t play forever and while he’s a steady player, Stephen Nicholas isn’t the game-changer the Falcons want alongside middle linebacker Curtis Lofton. Witherspoon, who is a fantastic athlete with great speed and burst, is the type of sideline-to-sideline playmaker that the Falcons covet. Other options at this spot are Sergio Kindle, Carlos Dunlap, Kyle Williams or even an offensive lineman.

20. Houston Texans: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
The Texans could go in a variety of directions here, including offensive line and running back. But for the last two years I’ve predicted that Houston would take a running back in round one, only to see the Texans make a mockery (no pun intended) of my picks for them. This year I’m not taking the bait on the possibility of them drafting a running back to split carries with Steve Slaton. That said, Jahvid Best is probably a freaking lock at this spot, but I digress. After losing Dunta Robinson to the Falcons via free agency, the Texans have a huge hole at cornerback and Williams’ stock rose dramatically during Senior Bowl week. He’s a flat out playmaker and while his size is a little concerning, he has the speed and athleticism to hopefully make the fans in Houston forget about Robinson.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
For a team that made the playoffs last year, the Eagles have plenty of holes to fill before Week 1. They could stand to add depth or even a starter at several spots on their offensive line and they probably need to add another back at some point to complement “Shady” McCoy. Defensively, they needed a defensive end opposite Trent Cole, but they filled that void by acquiring Darryl Tapp from the Seahawks. Safety is another need area, but I think if Kindle is on the board than he would be more of a risk than a guy like Taylor Mays. There’s a good chance that Kindle (who is the best OLB prospect in the draft) won’t last this long, but if things break right for the Eagles, he would finally give Philly a playmaker that they desperately need from their linebacker position. Even with Cole and Tapp already on board, Kindle could give the Eagles another pass-rusher in their 4-3 scheme.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
After the Ravens filled their biggest need of the offseason by acquiring receiver Anquan Boldin, they can turn their attention to addressing voids on their defense. Adding another pass rusher would certainly be beneficial, but I think cornerback is another huge area that Baltimore will have to address. Dominique Foxworth and his big contract are entrenched at one corner spot, but Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are coming off serious knee injuries and there’s not much depth behind them. Robinson is a raw prospect and he’s a bit of a risk given his inconsistency in college, but he’s a fantastic athlete with tremendous speed and agility. He might not be a prospect that the Ravens could start right away but then again, if Washington and Webb return to health then they wouldn’t need Robinson to anyway.

29. New York Jets: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Assuming the Jets don’t work out a deal for Brandon Marshall (don’t rule that possibility out), then they need to give Mark Sanchez more receiving weapons. Tate is undersized, but he can stretch the field and has outstanding athleticism. He has speed to create separation and he’s excellent in the open field. He struggles at getting off the line, which is a concern when you think about other great college wideouts like Ted Ginn Jr. But Tate would bring a lot to the Jets in terms of play making potential.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Dan Williams, DT Tennessee
The Vikings could go a couple of different ways here, including cornerback and maybe even quarterback. But Pat Williams is 37 years old and eventually Minnesota will have to replace him. Who better than someone with the same last name and that could be a massive force in the middle of their defensive line for years to come?

32. New Orleans Saints: Everson Griffin, DE, USC
After cutting Charles Grant in the offseason, the Saints could stand to upgrade their defensive end position. Griffen offers a ton of upside and has an excellent array of both size and speed. I could see the Saints also addressing their outside linebacker need with someone like Daryl Washington of TCU.

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2010 BCS Bowl Preview: 5 Things to Watch for in the Sugar Bowl

Anthony Stalter — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:25:00 +0000

No. 3 Cincinnati will try to put Brian Kelly’s departure to Notre Dame behind it when it takes on No. 5 Florida at 8:30PM ET on New Year’s Day. As part of our 2010 BCS Bowl Preview, here are five things to watch for in the Sugar Bowl.

1. Cincinnati’s potent passing attack vs. Florida’s vaunted defense
Led by quarterback Tony Pike and explosive receiver Mardy Gilyard, the Bearcats rank sixth in the nation in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense. Cincinnati averaged almost 40 points per game this season and houses one of the most deadly passing games in the country. That said, they’ll be heavily tested by a Florida defense that has the third best pass defense in the nation, the fourth best overall defense and the third best scoring defense. Only Alabama (11.0) and Nebraska (11.23) have allowed fewer points than Florida’s mark of 11.54. Led by defensive backs Joe Haden, A.J. Jones and Major Wright, the Gators have virtually been impossible to throw on. Making matters worse for opponents, Florida also has a fearsome pass rush, led by defensive linemen Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap. At the center is linebacker Brandon Spikes, who is the heart and soul of the Gators’ defense. Cincinnati will certainly have to earn everything it gets come New Year’s Day.

2. The Gators’ rushing attack vs. the Bearcats’ suspect run defense
Florida boasts the 10th best rushing attack in the nation, averaging 225.23 yards per game. That doesn’t bode well for a Cincinnati run defense that is surrendering over 140 yards per game this season. The Bearcats’ defense is fast and aggressive, but struggles when opponents attack them right up the middle. In their three closest games this season, Connecticut, West Virginia and Pittsburgh all had success running up the gut. If Florida starts pounding the rock up the middle, it could take control of the game early by grinding out the clock and keeping Cincinnati’s high-powered offense on the sidelines.

3. Can the Gators keep pace in a shootout?
The general consensus surrounding this game is that Florida’s defense will shut down Pike and Cincinnati’s offense and seize control with its running game. But what if Pike and the Bearcats move the ball with success and start lighting up the scoreboard? Can the Gators keep up? Florida’s offense has lacked explosion all season, which was evident in its loss to Alabama in the SEC title game. When Tim Tebow isn’t superman, the Gators are a very average offense. There’s a good chance that Florida can control this game on the ground but if it can’t, then the Gators might flounder without the big play.

4. How will the Bearcats cope without Kelly?
On December 10, Brian Kelly announced that he would sign a deal to replace Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Needless to say, his former players at Cincinnati felt shocked and betrayed by the news, and who could blame them? In less than a month, they would have to take on the defending champion Florida Gators without a head coach. How will they cope? Can they get up for the game or will Kelly’s departure be too big of a distraction? If the Bearcats need inspiration, they should look no further than the 2007 West Virginia team, which was ditched by then head coach Rich Rodriguez after he accepted a job at Michigan. Many thought that the Mountaineers (led by interim coach Bill Stewart) would be crushed by Oklahoma in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, yet WVU routed the Sooners, 48-28. With their pride on the line, one would think that the Bearcats would be plenty motivated come New Year’s Day.

5. Tebow’s last stand
It would be easy to accept the notion that Florida won’t be motivated to play in the Sugar Bowl after Alabama stomped them in the SEC Championship Game. After winning a title last year, why would the Gators get up for Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl? But with this being Tebow’s last game as a Gator, it would be hard to believe that he won’t have Florida ready to play. Over his career, Tebow has embodied what college football is about. Perhaps nobody plays with more fire and emotion than the Gators’ signal caller and you know he’ll put everything on the line to win one last time.

2010 Sugar Bowl Game Information
Matchup: Florida (12-1) vs. Cincinnati (12-0)
Kickoff: 8:30PM ET, January 1
TV: FOX
Odds: Florida –10

Talk smack about the 2010 Sugar Bowl.

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The Official Sugar Bowl Smack Talk Thread: Cincinnati vs. Florida

Anthony Stalter — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:30:13 +0000

The 2010 Sugar Bowl will have plenty of intrigue surrounding it when the Florida Gators take on the Cincinnati Bearcats on New Year’s Day. For the Gators, Tim Tebow will be playing his last collegiate game of his career, while the Bearcats will try to overcome the loss of their head coach, Brian Kelly, who ditched them for Notre Dame.

2010 Sugar Bowl Game Information
Matchup: Florida (12-1) vs. Cincinnati (12-0)
Venue: Superdome, New Orleans
Kickoff: 8:30PM ET, January 1
TV: FOX
Odds: Florida –10

Key Stats:
Cincinnati will have its hands full trying to move the ball against a Florida team that ranks 4th in the nation in total defense, 3rd in pass defense and third in scoring. Led by linebacker Brandon Spikes, the defensive line pair of Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap, as well as a secondary headed by safety Major Wright, the Gators have one of the best defenses in the country. Offensively, Tebow leads a group that has averaged over 225 rushing yards per game this season and over 34 points per outing.

If any team were to move the ball on Florida, it might be Cincinnati, which has the sixth best offense in college football. Led by quarterback Tony Pike and receiver Mardy Gilyard, the Bearcats rank 6th in passing offense and 6th in scoring (averaging 39.83 points per game). Defensively, Cincinnati has the top passing efficiency unit in the country and are 48th in total defense.

The Bottom Line:
Cincinnati has more than enough weapons to contend in this game, but how will they fair without Kelly calling the plays? And even though this looks like a great matchup for Florida, will the Gators get up for the Sugar Bowl after failing to reach the national title game again? One would think that Tebow would get his team up to play this game, but don’t forget Alabama quit last year in this same venue and got rolled by Utah.

Let the smack begin:

Who will win the 2010 Sugar Bowl?

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2009 CFB Preview: Florida Gators

Anthony Stalter — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:00:08 +0000

Check out our other 2009 college football previews.

Preseason Ranking: No. 1 in AP Top 25; No. 1 in USA Today Poll.

Key Returning Players: Tim Tebow (QB); Chris Rainey (RB); Riley Cooper (WR); Deonte Thompson (WR); Aaron Hernandez (TE); Maurkice Pouncey (C); Brandon Spikes (LB); A.J. Jones (LB); Ryan Stamper (RB); Carlos Dunlap (DE); Jermaine Cunningham (DE); Justin Trattou (DE); Ahmad Black (S); Joe Haden (CB); Janoris Jenkins (CB); Lawrence Marsh (DT); Terron Sanders (DT); Major Wright (S).

Key Losses: Percy Harvin (WR); Phil Trautwein (OT); Jason Watkins (OT); Louis Murphy (WR).

Player to Watch: Tim Tebow, QB.
With all due respect to Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and Texas’s Colt McCoy, Tebow is arguably the best player in college football. Not the best quarterback – the best player, period. Urban Meyer says that Florida will incorporate the no-huddle into their offense this season, which should only play into Tebow’s strengths, as he can beat opponents with either his arm or his legs. After throwing for 2,746 yards, rushing for 673 yards and totaling 42 touchdowns, Tebow returns for his senior season in hopes of leading Florida to its third national title in the last four seasons. And after compiling one of the most impressive second halves of any player in college football last year, there might not be anything that stands in Tebow’s (and Florida’s) way this season.

Team Strength: Tebow will get most of the attention, but the defense remains the strength of this team. The unit returns all 11 starters, including stud linebacker Brandon Spikes, who decided to return for his senior season. The Gators finished fourth in the nation last year in scoring defense and ninth in total defense and there’s no reason to believe that they’ll take a step back in ’09. After Spikes, the unit is anchored by 6-foot-6, 290-pound defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who is a freakish athlete and immensely talented. He led the SEC in sacks last year with 9.5 and lifts the play of fellow defensive end Jermaine Cunningham. Throw in a highly talented, experienced secondary comprised of Ahmad Black, Joe Haden, Janoris Jenkins and Major Wright, and the Gators will once again have one of the best defenses in all of college football this season.

Potential Weakness: Weaknesses? Good luck finding any glaring question marks, although the offensive line did lose both starting tackles with the departures of Phil Trautwein and Jason Watkins, as well as playmaker Percy Harvin and the productive Louis Murphy. That said, Riley Cooper and Deonte Thompson are waiting in the wings to replace Harvin and Murphy and Florida always retools the offensive line. Still, if you were looking for a potential weakness on this Florida team, it would be at tackle. The Gators hope offensive lineman turned defensive lineman turned back to offensive lineman Matt Patchan can help fill one of the voids at tackle.

Outlook: The offensive line is a bit of a question mark, but shouldn’t slow the Gators down this season. This is arguably the most complete team in college football and with Tebow back under center, Florida is going to be incredibly tough to keep out of the end zone. Defensively, Spikes and Dunlap are enforcers and the Gator defense can match up with any offense in the nation. The schedule is also favorable, with LSU, Georgia and Florida State providing the toughest challenges. (Florida won’t have to play Ole’ Miss this year, unless they meet the Rebels in the SEC Championship.)

Urban Meyer’s team is set up to win a national championship. Could they get tripped up again like they did at home last year against Ole’ Miss? Certainly – anything could happen in college football. But the Gators are unquestionably the best team in the nation entering the season and anything less than a national title appearance would be a disappointment for Tebow and company.