Mock Draft

(1) St. Louis Rams

This franchise needs to add young talent at quarterback if they are serious about winning any time soon. And considering how the Rams have already used top 5 picks on DE and OT, the only justifiable position to take this early is a quarterback.

The Rams have several options moving forward. Th first is to sign a free agent quarterback and wait until next year to draft a QB. Their second option is to pick Sam Bradford . Their third and final option is to draft a QB later in the draft. But let’s get real, Keith Null and Kyle Boller cannot remain the team’s best options. The offense was simply too bad this season to tolerate another year scoring an average of 7 points per game.

Just like Giants QB Eli Manning, Bradford is blessed with superior leadership qualities, supreme accuracy and a quick release; three things that NFL teams covet out of their signal caller.

(B) Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

If Bradford’s medical check goes poorly, then the only logical move will be to pick the best player on their board, which is never a bad idea. The Rams certainly can use the talents of a dominant defensive lineman like a Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh. As I’ve written about before, McCoy reportedly will grade out higher according to some NFL personnel, and his penetrating style of play should cater to what the Rams are trying to accomplish defensively. There is little doubt that he would help create a credible pass rush for a unit that surprisingly has difficulty doing this, even after using two top 15 picks on D-lineman in the last 3 years.

(2) Detroit Lions

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Detroit has needs at every level of offense and defense. But if I learned anything last year about how the Lions’ front office drafts, it is this: they draft purely on grade and will not reach based on need. If they have the chance to add perhaps the best player in this class, then it’s a done deal.

After seeing the Vikings’ Kevin Williams shred the Lions’ offensive line by blowing up plays in the backfield, it is conceivable that the Lions will be salivating at the ability to obtain such a similar talent in Suh. His unique blend of athleticism, strength, and technique will make him a fearsome force. He has the rare ability to be exceeding stout against the run while still generating a strong interior pass rush. But whatever way you put it, Suh is a gamer, who shines when the pads are on-exactly the type of player that Detroit has lacked for so long.

(B) Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

They sorely need to generate pressure from the interior of the defensive line, and there is no better way of doing this than acquiring the other dominant pass rusher Gerald McCoy.

(3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa will love to add either of the top two defensive tackles to help fix the league’s worst run defense. The interior of the defensive line has been incapable of getting pressure, and they have been unable to effectively hold their assigned gaps in the run game .

Selecting Gerald McCoy is perfect for Tampa because the pick would provide optimal value and it fills a big need.

He is ideally suited for the Tampa Two defense, and will certainly ease the transition back to the Tampa Two for coach Raheem Morris.

(4) Washington Redskins

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With this pick, Washington should do everything within reason to address their woes at offensive tackle. Mike Shanahan prefers small, quick linemen for his zone blocking scheme, the type that can be found later in the draft. Nevertheless, Shanahan needs to find several starters on the line, plus he sorely needs an anchor to captain the unit.

Offensive tackle is a great value here, so Washington should look at Russell Okung or Trent Williams.

As Mike Mayock recently pointed out, Trent Williams has the quickness and agility to be a perfect fit in Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. He went through the draft process like a pro, and silenced any and all concerns that teams may have had. Yes, he may be a tad more risky than Okung, but his upside is considerably greater.

(B) Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Selecting a player of Russell Okung’s caliber would go a long way in reinforcing what used to be the team’s greatest strength. His consistency in pass protection will allow him to stand out from his peers.

(5) Kansas City Chiefs

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It seems like Kansas City has struggled to stabilize their offensive line for years. They took a step forward by adding Brandon Albert in 2007. But they need more talent protecting Matt Cassel.

I thought about putting Eric Berry here, but Scott Pioli is a huge believer in positional value because of salary implications. For that reason, I feel that safety is not going to be considered for anything but trade bait.

I loved Pro Football Weekly’s argument for Bulaga at this pick:

GM Scott Pioli needs to protect the investment he made in Matt Cassel and provide more time in the pocket for him to deliver. Pioli will have greater respect for a lineman well schooled by Kirk Ferentz, whom Pioli worked with in Cleveland.

If the Redskins select WIlliams, Okung will be considered here as well. But the more NFL ready prospect, Bulaga ultimately should get the nod because Pioli prefers safe blue collar types over other players with more perceived upside.

(6) Seattle Seahawks

(7) Cleveland Browns

(A) Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee

For the longest time, the Browns brass has been courting Eric Berry. He is the most complete defensive back to come along in quite a while. He can run, hit, catch, and lead a defense. Eric Mangini knows he needs safety help in the worst way. An impact player of Berry’s pedigree is one of the remaining pieces necessary to complete Cleveland’s defense.

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(B) Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Cleveland needs to generate more competition at the quarterback position. Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace are solid depth, but shouldn’t figure into the team’s long-term plans.

Although quarterback is infinitely more important than safety, Mike Holmgren has come out and said he isn’t too high on Clausen. Normally, I would take such a statement with a grain of salt, but Holmgren has a reputation for being a straight shooter. Therefore, I think the Browns drafting Clausen is not quite as likely as them going for Berry.

(8) Oakland Raiders

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In his desperation to save the career of JaMarcus Russell, I Al Davis to draft an offensive tackle. He has already spent top picks on impact skill players (RB and WR). The only offensive building block unacquired by Davis is a top quality offensive tackle.

Most people have reasonably penciled Bruce Campbell in here, but Al Davis’ infatuation with speed and athleticism usually is reserved for skill position players.

A powerful run blocking lineman with great size, like Anthony Davis fits the Al Davis offensive lineman mold more than Bruce Campbell.

Remember, for many years, the Raiders had big, hefty offensive linemen (who could run block) like Mo Collins and Lincoln Kennedy.

Besides, Campbell might be had in the second round, if the Raiders like him that much.

(9) Buffalo Bills

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I just cannot envision the Bills going another season without OT help. But the top tackles are off the board. However, they are also in search of a QB. So that is the direction they go, unless they panic and disregard value to get Anthony Davis- a very talented, yet enigmatic prospect.

In this case, there is no better quarterback available than Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen. He has the production (28 TD’s, 4 INT’s) and experience in a pro system that makes him very appealing.

(B) C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

If Cleveland pulls the trigger on Clausen, the Bills will be stuck in a difficult situation. Reach for need, or add an offensive weapon in C.J. Spiller?

Spiller would push Fred Davis in the return game, and give Trent Williams a dynamic weapon in the passing and running game. The BIlls love to run the football, and they currently lack that home-run threat.

(10) Jacksonville Jaguars

(A) Earl Thomas, DB, Texas

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Instinctive defenders in the back half must be a high priority when you play Peyton Manning twice a year. Earl Thomas is perhaps one of the most instinctive defensive backs to come out in many years.

Jacksonville failed to make Reggie Nelson into a threat. And with no viable alternative of which to speak, they select the speedy safety from the University of Texas to strike some fear into opposing quarterbacks.

Note: if Eric Berry isn’t selected by the Browns, he could slip to this spot. I believe the Jags will take Berry over Thomas, if it comes to that.

(B) Joe Haden, CB, Florida

For the longest time, the Jaguars have been all over Joe Haden. According to Big Cat Country, Jacksonville has held a private workout, senior bowl interview, and attended his pro day. Virtually no other prospect has been scouted that thoroughly by this franchise.

Haden plays a premium position in the style that Jacksonville requires. He is physical, fast, physical, and physical. Despite having two starting cornerbacks on the roster, elevating the competition level and giving themselves an exceptional nickelback will go a long way in a division that includes Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub.

(11) Denver Broncos

Dealing Brandon Marshall to Miami pressures Josh McDaniels to find a new number 1 receiver. But only if the front office willing to put up with another diva receiver.

(12) Miami Dolphins

Miami wants size and length in its front seven. Morgan’s ability to play in space is questionable, but he will do everything else well.

(13) San Francisco 49ers

This move is as much a pre-emptive strike as it is a value pick. San Francisco must keep Spiller from going to their division rival in Seattle. So, they opt for the home-run hitter to give legs to their rushing attack.

(14) Seattle Seahawks

(15) New York Giants

I am not a fan of McClain as a 4-3 MLB, but plenty of others disagree with me. The Giants need to replace Antonio Pierce, and this is the first realistic landing spot for McClain.

(B) Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Over the past two seasons, the Giants struggled to score in the red zone. A promising tight end like Gresham gives the run and pass game a big boost.

(16) Tennessee Titans

Jeff Fisher’s staff has been phenomenal at coaching up raw defensive line prospects. Jason Pierre-Paul is this year’s most gifted pass rusher. He only slips this far because he is extremely raw.

(17) San Francisco 49ers

One of the highest priorities for the 49ers this offseason needs to be creating a more consistent pass rush. Selecting a high motor competitor like Graham will make the whole defense better.

(B) Joe Haden, CB, Florida

The 49ers like physical cornerbacks, and Haden will bring added youth and energy to replace the lethargic Nate Clements.

(18) Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have been in search of an anchor for their line since they let Alan Faneca leave. Maurkice Pouncey is versatile enough to play any of the interior line positions, which gives him the edge over potential prospect Mike Iupati.

(19) Atlanta Falcons

Within the Tampa Two, weakside linebacker is an extremely important position. Going after the spunky Sean Weatherspoon will give Atlanta a fast and strong playmaker to pair with Curtis Lofton.

(20) Houston Texans