Mr. East’s It’s a Wonderful Horrible Mock Draft

I can smell it… it’s that time of year again, mock drafts. Mock drafts are just as wonderful as they are horrible. One could spend hours speculating about exactly who the Jacksonville Jaguars will target with their first pick and out of no where Tim Tebow could spoil the psyche of hopeful jags fans. So here it goes another postseason attempt to predict and prejudge the finest the NCAA has to offer… please bear with me.

Round 1

1. St. Louis Rams
   Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Lace up some fresh kicks Ndamukong, Nike says they’re on the house from now on. Since the combine is about month or so away I’m reserving judgement on whether the Rams decide to go quarterback. Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford could in fact land this spot if they have a killer combine. The Rams would have to be really infatuated with one of them to pass on Suh. Steve Spagnuolo would be ecstatic to give Chris Long some help on the line. Spagnuolo also has to remember that Keith Null is only one Marc Bulger mishap from starting (Bulger’s only full starting season was 2006).

2. Detroit Lions
   Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

The Lions really need to take Russell Okung here if they want to see their $72 million investment in Matt Stafford payoff. However, the Lions had statistically the worst defense in the NFL in 2009. Enter Gerald McCoy. McCoy is an elite prospect at defensive tackle and Mike Mayock is nuts about him (I’m still waiting for Mayock’s prediction about Robert Ayers reign true).

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
   Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

It’s pretty rare that a defensive back is taken in the top three (Thank Walter Football for the research). However, it’s also rare that a beast like Eric Berry comes along; combine that with Raheem Morris and you get a “unique” move. As a Bronco fan it helps me sleep easier at night knowing that Pat Bowlen at least didn’t pick Morris as head coach last offseason. Berry however has all the makings to be the next Ed Reed mixed with hitting power of Ray Lewis. The Buccaneers were worst in the NFL against the rush this last season and since Gerald McCoy is off the board Eric Berry could land here.

4. Washington Redskins
   Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

This pick is very dependent on what Mike Shanahan sees in the quarterbacks this draft. I don’t see Shanahan falling for Sam Bradford, but I could see him making a run at Jimmy Clausen depending on how his combine plays out. Clausen has a great arm and he would fit perfectly into Shanahan’s offensive scheme.

5. Kansas City Chiefs
   Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Matt Cassel didn’t have a $63 million season by any means. Despite his several lackluster performances, he’ll continue to be the future because of the money invested in him. The Chiefs need to draft Cassel some protection if they want to see their investment spike… or at least do a push up.

Okung had a phenomenal season and has transcended all the offensive tackles entering this draft. Okung has garnered some comparisons to pro bowler Joe Thomas. Russell Okung could give Cassell the Joe Thomas effect. In 2007 when Joe Thomas was a rookie he helped Derek Anderson throw 29 touchdowns and rack up a quarterback rating of 82.5 and almost drove the Browns to the playoffs at 10-6.

6. Seattle Seahawks
   Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Matt Hasselbeck had trouble staying healthy in 2009, and when he was healthy he looked more like his career backup brother Tim Hasselbeck. Pete Carroll has the chance to sign “his guy” for the future and let him sit the bench under Hasselbeck’s tutelage(which isn’t a bad deal). Sam Bradford has questionable arm strength, pocket awareness, and toughness but you can’t argue his performance. Bradford has only failed to post a quarterback rating of a hundred or more only seven times in his career, and two of those were this past season with his injured shoulder, once in the national championship, and the rest were his during first year starting. The Sooners were 23-2 when Bradford posts a quarterback rating of over a hundred (one of those losses was when he left early in the BYU game).

7. Cleveland Browns
   Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Joe Haden only accumulated eight interceptions in his three year tenure at Florida. However, that was mainly due to quarterbacks not throwing his way. Haden has all the tangibles to be the next shut down corner in the league. The Browns can only take Brandon McDonald getting burned play after play. McDonald has been in the NFL for three seasons and has only one interception to show for it. That lowly, meaningless interception was handed out by Charlie Frye during his free interception giveaway that Sunday. Statistically the Browns ranked 29th in passing so depth at corner really couldn’t hurt.

8. Oakland Raiders
   Taylor Mays, S, USC

I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it a thousand times more, Al Davis loves 40 times. It doesn’t matter if Taylor Mays has the worst drill performances at the combine. If Mays runs his expected 40 time, which is in the area of the 4.3’s, there is no way Al Davis will pass him up. That is unless Mr. Davis actually starts listening to billboards.

9. Buffalo Bills
   Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

It’s very difficult to predict what the Bills will do with a new head coach at the helm. With Rolando McClain still on the board however the Bills should jump at the opportunity. Paul Posluszny is an above average middle linebacker but McClain is a hard player to pass up on. I’m very excited to see how he performs in the combine.

10. Denver Broncos
    Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

Those 259 yards rushing Jamaal Charles put up against Denver’s final game of the season still haunts me in my sleep. I can hear myself screaming over and over again “Defensive line, please no! Don’t get bossed around my this mediocre at best offensive line!” Depending on his combine, Dan Williams should hopefully end up as the number one nose tackle in the 2010 draft. The key to a great defensive line is the rotation. Ronald Fields isn’t a terrible nose tackle, he just needs a guy to rotate with every now and then. I don’t really think this pick will come down to Dan Williams. My hope more or less lies in Josh McDaniels actually putting effort into resolving the defensive line issues. One guy from SportsJabber.com’s mock has Gerald McCoy falling (hard) to Denver… one can only hope.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars
    Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Jacksonville can’t get to the quarterback whatsoever. The Jaguars had a pathetic 14 sacks all season long, Elvis Dumervil had 17! Derrick Morgan is this draft’s top pass rusher and he should bolster Jacksonville’s lackluster defensive line. Morgan weighs in around 272 pounds, making him an ideal 4-3 end. Tim Tebow could be a shocker pick here.

12. Miami Dolphins
    Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Miami could really use a play maker at inside linebacker but with Rolando McClain off the board they’ll go play maker at wide receiver. Chad Henne could really use someone to throw to besides Ted Ginn Jr., Brian Hartline, and Davonne Bess.

13. San Francisco 49ers
    Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

The San Francisco 49ers had no problem getting to the quarterback last year (44 sacks). Their problem was the other team getting to theirs (40 sacks). Bruce Campbell is a solid prospect at this slot in the draft. Since there are no viable quarterback options they’ll have to settle with protecting the one they have.

14. Seattle Seahawks
    Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Congratulations on your shiny new quarterback Seattle, now protect him. Who is better suited than the same guy who protected him in college? Trent Williams is a border line top tier prospect, so depending on this combine this could definitely change. What doesn’t need to change is Seattle’s need for an offensive tackle. Walter Jones is contemplating retirement and his game has seriously degenerated over the years.

15. New York Giants
    Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

Last season I had the Giants taking James Laurinaitis in the first round. Instead New York became enamored with Hakeem Nicks, who turned out to be a pretty good wide receiver. What New York couldn’t anticipate is that Antonio Pierce would be out for a good portion of the season. UPDATE: The Giants have just cut Antonio Pierce, they’ll definitely be targeting a linebacker whether in the draft or free agency.

The Giants had possibly a worse meltdown than the Broncos did (possibly) and the whole at middle linebacker didn’t help. Brandon Spikes was a monster in college. Spiked didn’t have the best senior year but his talent is undeniable.

16. Tennessee Titans
    Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan

The Tennessee Titans couldn’t stop the pass to save their life this last season, ranking 31st in the NFL. Perhaps it’s because they’re in the pass happy AFC South, but that’s all the more reason to draft a corner. Since Joe Haden is off the board the Titans should target Warren who is coming off of a great junior season.

17. San Francisco 49ers
    C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

C.J. Spiller is that change of pace back that Frank Gore desperately needs. Frank Gore always has trouble staying healthy, but when he is, he’s an inconvenient truth to the opposing team. Imagine the rushing attack San Fransisco could have with that tandem. Alex Smith could channel his inner Trent Dilfer circa 2005.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers
    Brian Baluga, OT, Iowa

Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 50 times this season and 189 times in the past four seasons. Big Ben needs some protection and Brian Baluga is steal this far down in the draft.

19. Atlanta Falcons
    Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

The Falcons are pretty weak at outside linebacker but even weaker in their secondary. I would have Earl Thomas here but Atlanta is already invested in William Moore. So since Mike Peterson is in line for a social security check they should go for the best replacement for him.

20. Houston Texans
    Earl Thomas, S, Texas

From Texas to Texans. Houston has never really had an all star at safety (see Glenn Earl, Nick Ferguson, and Bernard ‘The Patriots Terrorizer’ Pollard) and Earl Thomas is their best chance to finally land one. Earl makes sense on many levels. First off, Thomas fits a strong need and secondly, he’s a Texas native from High School to College.

21. Cincinnati Bengals
    Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

It was fairly obvious that the Bengal’s passing offense missed T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Neither Andre Caldwell or Laveranues Coles exceeded as number two receivers in T.J.’s absences as well. Overall their passing offense rated 26th in the NFL and Carson Palmer barely managed to pass for over 3,000 yards (3,094). Depending on the combine Golden Tate could lift himself to a first round position making this pick hard for Cincy to choose.

22. New England Patriots
    Mike Iupati, OG/OT, Idaho

Logan Makins will be expensive to keep, so expect him to sign a fat contract with other some lucky team this offseason (please be Denver). Mike Iupati is a massive being at 6’6 feet and 330 pounds. Iupati’s size gives him the flexibility to either play guard or tackle.

23. Green Bay Packers
    Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Green Bay had an absolutely atrocious offensive line this last season, just ask Jared Allen. Anthony Davis is a freak of nature, he’s listed at 6 feet 6 inches tall and 325 pounds heavy. I’m very interested to see how he does in the combine and on his wonderlic (Davis scored an 890 on his SAT). Issues concerning Davis’ work ethic have come to surface, if Davis doesn’t have a good combine he could end up here, late in the first round, instead of a top 10 pick. Green Bay was not afraid of B.J. Raji’s character issues last draft so if Davis is here I don’t doubt they’ll grab him.

24. Philadelphia Eagles
    Everson Griffen, DE, USC

The Eagles are a very solid team with little to no glaring needs. However, if the 2007 New York Giants have taught us anything is that you can’t have enough good defensive linemen. I could see the Eagles trading up or down from this position to land a player they fall in love with.

25. Baltimore Ravens
    Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Newsflash, Todd Heap is old. If Jermaine Gresham can have a great combine the Ravens will do what it takes to give Joe Flacco all the tools he needs to succeed.

26. Arizona Cardinals
    Charles Brown, OT, USC

Kurt Warner retired, handing over the reigns to Matt Leinart. The Cardinals didn’t have a terrible offensive line, but with a new inexperienced quarterback at the helm, they’re going to need to give him all the help he can get.

27. Dallas Cowboys
    Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State

The Cowboys had a great season sack wise despite DeMarcus Ware’s slow starting season. The NFC East is a quarterback heavy division (especially if Shanahan gets Clausen), therefore getting to the quarterback should be at the top of the docket. Jared Odrick is a great fit for the 3-4 scheme and would do well against Jay Ratliff (fftoolbox has a great analysis on him). Odrick is a bit of a reach, but getting to the quarterback is too big of a deal in the NFC East.

28. San Diego Chargers
    Jahvid Best, RB, California

Go pack your bags Jahvid Best because you’re… not really going all that far. LaDanian Tomlinson is on his way out, so the Chargers will need another back besides Darren Sproles.

29. New York Jets
    Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU

Vernon Gholston needs to be replaced. Well, replaced isn’t probably the best word in describing his ineptitude as a pass rushing outside linebacker. The Jets didn’t do terrible at getting to the quarterback this season but under Rex Ryan’s defense they should do a lot better than 32 sacks.

30. Minesota Vikings
    Brian Price, DT, UCLA

The days of the Williams Wall are coming to an end. Pat Williams is an astounding 37 years old, even Brett Favre thinks that’s old for his position. Brian Price isn’t as big as Pat Williams, but he’s a great prospect in a 4-3 scheme. Price should excel next to Kevin Williams, who could do exactly for Price what Pat does for him.

31. Indianapolis Colts
    Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan

The Colts are stacked at defensive end with Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, and Raheem Brock. Therefore they’ll take a talented defensive end late in the draft. Classic Bill Pollian, let the rich get richer.

32. New Orleans Saints
    Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

Before this past season Jonathan Goodwinhad never been a full time starter, that doesn’t exactly scream franchise center. When you have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL it’s probably a good idea to give him someone competent to put the ball in his hands.

Maurkice Pouncey is not just a fun name to say, he’s also a massive center at 6’5 feet and 315 pounds. If Pouncey can have a good combine he might just do enough for the Saints to reach on him.

No Carlos Dunlap, Jason Pierre-Paul, Damian Williams, or Sergio Kindle in this round. Why? They’re overrated and hyped up. Right now you can’t measure hype, so I’ll let their combine results, interviews, and pro days do the talking for them. Keep in mind that free agency will also make things very interesting.

What do you think Bronco nation? Don’t like Dan Williams at number ten? Me too, a little. What should Denver do at 10, offense, defense, trade? Perhaps a punter? Let it fly!