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Mitchell and Ford’s Post Combine NFL Mock Draft

John Mitchell and Brady Ford project the 2010 NFL Draft

1. St. Louis Rams

Brady’s Pick: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

The Rams cannot pass up on Ndamukong.  He is the most talented player in this draft.  He can come in and instantly improve that line.  They can look to QB in a later round and still get a solid one like Colt McCoy or Tony Pike.

John’s Pick: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

I’ve been mocking Ndamukong Suh here for a while, and it would be the smarter pick in my opinion, but it seems more and more like the Rams are leaning toward a QB. If I’m making this pick, I’m taking Suh, but St. Louis is looking for a franchise QB. If Bradford throws well at his pro day and doesn’t show signs of a lingering shoulder injury, then I think he will lock up the top overall pick.

2. Detroit Lions

Brady’s Pick: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

McCoy might get overlooked a bit because of the amazing season Suh had, but he also has superstar potential.  They’re in the same mold, with Suh ahead, but not by that much.

John’s Pick: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

I could see this pick going one or two ways. The Lions could take one of the big defensive tackles in Suh or McCoy, or they could draft Russell Okung to protect their 60 million dollar investment they put in Matthew Stafford last year. But, I can’t see them passing on one of the best defensive tackle prospects that has come out in a while.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Brady’s Pick: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

This could be one of the strongest top 3s in NFL draft history.  After the elite defensive tackle prospects, you’ve got a guy who could be a top 5 safety in the league as a rookie.  The Ed Reed comparisons are warranted.  Don’t pay too much attention to the lack of interceptions as a junior, Monte Kiffin was using him more in run support and less as a ball hawk.

John’s Pick: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

The Buccaneers would be thrilled if they hear Sam Bradford’s name called first in the draft. With that happening, it assures the Buccaneers will be able to get one of the defensive tackles. If Suh and McCoy are both off the board, I could see them trading away this pick. McCoy only notching 24 reps with the bench press at the combine has raised some concern, but I’m not worried.

4. Washington Redskins

Brady’s Pick: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

I had previously expected the Redskins to take a QB here, based on their actions in the 2009 offseason.  However, the Redskins have placed a first round tender on RFA Jason Campbell and longtime LT Chris Samuels is expected to retire.  That’s why they take Russell Okung, who can be their franchise left tackle for the next decade.

John’s Pick: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

The Redskins seem to be giving Jason Campbell another shot, so it’s not likely they draft a QB. With Chris Samuels heading for retirement, the Redskins will be looking for a replacement. Okung is the top OT in this draft class and Washington would be smart to take him.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Brady’s Pick: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

The Chiefs are hoping either Okung or Berry is there, but they’ll settle for Bulaga, who’s very skilled and can be their franchise LT.  With this pick, they can move Branden Albert back to his natural position, guard.

John’s Pick: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

I think Scott Pioli will take the best player available in this spot if he is unable to trade down with one of the teams looking to draft Jimmy Clausen. Honestly though, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chiefs took Clausen so they could reunite him with his college head coach Charlie Weis. Berry is the next Ed Reed in my opinion and is going to have a great NFL career.

6. Seattle Seahawks

Brady’s Pick: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Last year, the Seahawks had the opportunity to select their QB of the future, The Sanchize, but instead decided to take a defensive player, Aaron Curry.  They could do the same thing here and take Derrick Morgan or Jason Pierre-Paul, but I think they decide the time is right and take the super accurate and now bulked up Bradford.

John’s Pick: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Matt Hasselbeck doesn’t have much left in the tank, so it’s time for the Seahawks to draft their QB of the future. I think Sam Bradford would be a better fit for Pete Carrol’s system, but with him off the board they draft Jimmy Clausen. I could also see Seattle grab an offensive tackle like Anthony Davis or Bryan Bulaga.

7. Cleveland Browns

Brady’s Pick: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Joe Haden had an atrocious combine, running a 4.57 in the 40, which was slower than 2 tight ends.  However, the risk that he may be burnable isn’t great enough to keep him from being the clear #1 corner.  In this scenario, the only other player I could see them picking is Jimmy Clausen.

John’s Pick: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Even after a bad combine, I still look at Haden as the top CB prospect in this years draft class. Haden’s 4.57 40 at the combine does raise some red flags, but I don’t think it’s enough to knock him out of this pick. He had a bad technique when he ran it, and I think by the time his Pro Day rolls around, his time will be improved. Watch Haden’s game film to learn all you need to know.

8. Oakland Raiders

Brady’s Pick: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

A Maryland player who looked average in games, but has great size for his position and blew scouts away at the combine?  Sign them up!  This is a gigantic reach, but the Raiders need a tackle and do as they please.  I think Clausen may be a better pick, but I think the Raiders have too much pride to give up JaMarcus already.

John’s Pick: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

This is a terrible pick in my opinion, but Campbell is 314 pounds and ran a 4.85 40 at the combine. Al Davis must have drooled more than usual when he saw Campbell’s time. Last year the Raiders took Darius Heyward-Bey with this pick, and now Bruce Campbell. I could also see them taking Taylor Mays or Jason Pierre-Paul as well.

9. Buffalo Bills

Brady’s Pick: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

The Bills need a QB, and Clausen’s clearly top 2.  Clausen played in a pro-style offense for a successful NFL offensive coordinator, so he could start in his rookie year.  Anthony Davis of Rutgers is also a possibility here.

John’s Pick: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

The Bills are in desperate need of help on the offensive line. If they stay here, then I see them taking Anthony Davis or Bryan Bulaga. But, the Bills could very well trade up to the 5th spot with the Chiefs so they can draft Jimmy Clausen.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars

Brady’s Pick: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

The Jaguars’ pass rush last year was truly pathetic.  They were only able to sack the opposing QB 14 times.  Remarkable.  They’ll take the best defensive end available, and that’s Morgan.  Some are hyping Jason Pierre-Paul as the best DE and a top-5 pick, but I can’t see him going that high after one year of FBS football and 5.5 sacks.

John’s Pick: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

The Jaguars have to get help on pressuring the QB. They only sacked the opposing QB 14 times last season and that is embarrassing. I see the Jaguars taking a DE here whether it be Morgan or Jason Pierre-Paul. I think Morgan would be the smarter pick, because I have him as the top DE in this class, but wouldn’t be shocked to here Pierre-Paul’s name called instead.

11. Denver Broncos

Brady’s Pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

It appears that Brandon Marshall is on his way out.  If this happens, the Broncos will desperately need a WR, and Bryant is the consensus #1.  They trade in one headcase WR for another.

John’s Pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

It’s doubtful that Brandon Marshall will be back in Denver next season, so they need to get a #1 WR, and Bryant can be that guy for sure. If the Broncos decide to pass on Bryant, then I could see them take Rolando McClain because he would be a perfect fit to their 3-4 scheme.

12. Miami Dolphins

Brady’s Pick: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

The Dolphins will be happy to get McClain here.  Their defense needs work, and McClain is the best they could expect to get.  McClain already has experience running Alabama’s complex 3-4 defense, and should start immediately.  He’s like a bigger Jerod Mayo.

John’s Pick: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

The Dolphins would be dumb to pass on Rolando McClain in my opinion. McClain is going to be an All Pro in the NFL, and could come in and provide great leadership to the Miami defense. McClain has experience running Nick Saban’s complex 3-4 defense and is one of the smartest players I’ve seen. If the Broncos pass on McClain and Joe Haden is off the board, then I think this is a no brainier for the Dolphins.

13. San Francisco 49ers

Brady’s Pick: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

The Niners are looking for a tackle opposite Joe Staley, and Williams is the best available.  This might seem a little early for a pure right tackle like Williams, but that’s exactly what San Fran needs and he was great at the combine.

John’s Pick: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

For the sake of the rest of the league, somebody needs to take Rolando McClain before the 49ers are on the clock. If McClain is available, I could definitely see Mike Singletary take him and team him up with Patrick Willis to make the best ILB combo in the NFL. If McClain is off the board, then I see them filling the need at the RT position with Bulaga or Trent Williams.

14. Seattle Seahawks

Brady’s Pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

I mentioned before that I wasn’t as sold on JPP on others, but I do not deny his immense potential.  He is a phenomenal athlete who can be an absolute star in this league.  But I think it might take him a couple years to really transition to the NFL.

John’s Pick: C.J. Spiller, HB, Clemson

The Seahawks need a RB, and Spiller would make sense here. Seattle may also address their need of an OT by taking Trent Williams here, or they could go after Jason Pierre-Paul. But I think Spiller would be a good pick here. He gives their offense a home run threat and reminds me a lot of Chris Johnson.

15. New York Giants

Brady’s Pick: Earl Thomas, S, Texas

The Giants secondary was exposed last year.  They need a safety who can cover, and that’s what Earl Thomas is.  He’s got great ball skills, is a willing tackler, though he needs to bulk up, and he has the cover skills to possible convert to corner if need be.  I think this would be a great pick for them.

John’s Pick: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

The Giants have a need at the DT position and they love bolstering up the trenches and Price has been rising up draft boards lately. For teams that don’t have a high enough pick to draft one of the two prizes of Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy, will get a good consolation in Brian Price. Other than Price, the Giants could be looking at drafting Jason Pierre-Paul or Sergio Kindle.

16. San Francisco 49ers

Brady’s Pick: Taylor Mays, S, USC

The 49ers need secondary help so I think they look to Mays here.  Personally, I’m not sure Mays is worth a first round pick.  He’s not good in coverage and he has very poor ball skills for a defensive back.  Great athlete sure, but football player?  I’m not so sure.

John’s Pick: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

Brandon Graham would be a great pick for the 49ers. He has been shooting up draft boards lately after his big performance at the Senior Bowl. He is a hard worker and I think Mike Singletary would love to have him on the team. The 49ers could also look at Taylor Mays or Trent Williams.

17. Tennessee Titans

Brady’s Pick: Brandon Graham, DE, Mochigan

The Titans defensive line looked very weak without Albert Haynesworth this year and with Kyle Vanden Bosch, defensive line is a desperate need.  I think they’ll go with the super productive end out of Michigan, Brandon Graham.  He was great at the Senior Bowl and ran well at the combine

John’s Pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

The Titans need help at the DE spot and they would be overjoyed if Pierre-Paul was still available. Honestly, I think somebody will end up taking a risk on Pierre-Paul a littler earlier than this.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

Brady’s Pick: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

The Steelers playcalling may have shifted to the 21st century, but their line hasn’t.  Max Starks does not cut it at left tackle in today’s game, he’s not quick enough.  Davis, though inconsistent at Rutgers, is a good athlete for the position with a lot of potential.  They can move Starks back to the right side, or to guard.

John’s Pick: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

From what I’ve been hearing, the Steelers may be looking to trade up with the Jaguars for the 10th pick and possibly take Rolando McClain. That would be smart in my opinion and it would allow the Jaguars to take Tim Tebow with this pick. If the Steelers hang on to this pick I could see them grabbing an offensive lineman like Mike Iupati or Maurkice Pouncey with this pick, but I think they would be looking at getting a DT here instead. Williams has risen up draft boards thanks to a great Senior Bowl.

19. Atlanta Falcons

Brady’s Pick: Everson Griffin, DE, USC

The Falcons have a weak pass rush, and Griffin is the best end available.   Griffin has a good frame and athleticism.  He has very good potential, though he was not extremely productive at USC.

John’s Pick: Everson Griffin, DE, Usc

I see the Falcons going one or two ways with this selection. I think they either take a defensive end to help with their pass rush that only produced 28 sacks last season or they could take a CB like Kyle Wilson who has shot up draft boards. I think there is an outside shot that they take Sean Weatherspoon here.

20. Houston Texans

Brady’s Pick: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

The Texans could use a big nose tackle to help out against the run, and to take up blockers against the pass to help out Okoye, who’s falling close to that bust label.

John’s Pick: Earl Thomas, S, Texas

The Texans would love to get Earl Thomas with this pick. They are looking for anyway they can to finally get over the hump and overtake the Colts. Earl Thomas would give them a ball hawking safety or he could possibly switch to the CB position in the NFL. Either way, I think this would be a smart pick for Houston.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Brady’s Pick: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

The Bengals receiving corps lacks any real depth after Housh left for Seattle and the death of Chris Henry.  Laveranues Coles appears to have nothing in the tank.  Tate would be good here, I see him as a smaller Miles Austin.  Tate ran a 4.42 40 at the combine.

John’s Pick: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

The Bengals don’t have much other than Chad Ochocinco at WR, so I think they will be looking for a WR in the first round, and Golden Tate is the second best behind Dez Bryant in my opinion. He gives them a deep threat and provides Carson Palmer with another weapon.

22. New England Patriots

Brady’s Pick: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

The Pats would be psyched to see both CJ Spiller and Sergio Kindle waiting for them here.  I think they take Spiller here.  Maroney really gives them nothing and Spiller would give them a spark.  He’d also be a big help as a kick returner.

John’s Pick: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

The Patriots need a rush linebacker and Sergio Kindle would be a great fit to the Patriots system. He fills a big need for them. I could also see New England take Jermaine Gresham with this pick, because they could use a TE but I think they end up waiting on drafting a TE until the later rounds.

23. Green Bay Packers

Brady’s Pick: Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho

The Packers are in dire need of a left tackle who can keep Aaron Rodgers off the ground.  Iupati is the best prospect at guard, and he may be able to move over and play tackle.  This is worth a gamble.  He’ll be a perennial Pro Bowler at guard if it doesn’t work out.

John’s Pick: Charles Brown, OT, USC

The Packers need to get a LT to protect the blindside of Aaron Rodgers. They have one of the best QB’s in the NFL and if they want to make a Super Bowl run then they have to protect Aaron Rodgers better than they did for most of the 2009 season.

24. Philadelphia Eagles

Brady’s Pick: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

The Eagles will hope Dunlap fares better than the last DE they took from the state of Florida in the first round, Jerome McDougle.  Always looking to improve their pass rush, the Eagles will take the best available here.  Dunlap has great potential, though it’s definitely possible he’ll never reach it.  If they can get Julius Peppers, I think they take Sean Weatherspoon or Charles Brown.

John’s Pick: Taylor Mays, S, USC

The Eagles need safety help, and help at OLB, and Mays would be good value. He can play safety at the next level or he could make the move to OLB at the next level. I think Andy Reid would love to grab a tweener like Mays that he could mold into what he wants him to be.

25. Baltimore Ravens

Brady’s Pick: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

The Ravens might look to take a WR or TE with this pick, but with Golden Tate gone, I think the best value is with Kyle Wilson.  Wilson’s a little undersized, but he played at a very high level with Boise State and I expect to be an NFL starter for a long time.

John’s Pick: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

The Ravens just made a huge trade bringing in Anquan Boldin, so their #1 priority isn’t a WR in the first round anymore. With that need felt, they will likely look at a CB in the first round and Kyle Wilson is best available. I could also see them possibly take Jermaine Gresham.

26. Arizona Cardinals

Brady’s Pick: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

Sergio Kindle is an explosive pass rusher and is a perfect fit in the 3-4.  With his athleticism, he has enormous potential.  He’s very similar to former Longhorn Brian Orakpo in terms of ability.

John’s Pick: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Jermaine Gresham has a lot of question marks because of his weak knees. He has had two ACL injuries in his football days and hasn’t played since 2008. But, if Gresham is healthy he can be a dynamic TE in the NFL. He is one of the top TE prospects I have ever seen and he has a ton of potential. He will have to prove that he is fully healthy at the combine and his pro day. I could also see the Cardinals going after an ILB like Brandon Spikes because it isn’t likely that they will retain Karlos Dansby.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Brady’s Pick: Charles Brown, OT, USC

This is a minor reach, but it’s a position of need and Brown is a very good athlete with a lot of potential.  He’s similar to Jason Smith of Baylor from the 2009 draft in that he converted to OT in college from TE.  He probably won’t be able to take over the LT spot in 2010, but I think it’s his in 2011.

John’s Pick: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

The Cowboys need an upgrade over Flozell Adams at the right tackle spot and Trent Williams is great value this late in the first round. They have multiple positions on the offensive line that they could use an upgrade at. I could see them drafting Mike Iupati here as well.

28. San Diego Chargers

Brady’s Pick: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

Matthews was insanely productive as a senior at Fresno State.  He’s a powerful runner and did well at the combine, running a 4.45 in the 40.  He should be the starter immediately as LDT is gone, and Sproles probably is, too.

John’s Pick: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

Matthews had a brilliant season at Fresno State and led the Nation in rushing yards. But, it wasn’t until the combine that Matthews was finally recognized. Now, he has catapulted himself into the first round range by being the likely second RB off the board. The Chargers released LDT, so they are going to be looking for a RB in the first round.

29. New York Jets

Brady’s Pick: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

As remarkable as Revis is, the rest of the Jets secondary got exposed in the playoffs by Peyton Manning.  With Lito Sheppard on the outs, they need a corner, and Robinson is the best available.  He’s extremely quick and could be the next Asante Samuel.  I saw him run down Noel Devine from behind without an angle in their bowl game.

John’s Pick: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

I could see the Eagles take Weatherspoon earlier, but the Jets would be happy to see him slide here. The Jets could also look at Jerry Hughes because he is a better fit at the rush linebacker spot, but I think Rex Ryan will like Weatherspoon better.

30. Minnesota Vikings

Brady’s Pick: Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida

While the left side of their line is great, Minnesota could use some help at the positions of C and RG.  Lucky for them, Pouncey can be great at both.  He’s a perfect fit.

John’s Pick: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

The Vikings will be really hoping that Iupati will fall to them at the 30th pick. There is a strong possibility that someone takes him prior to their pick, most likely being the Cowboys with the 27th pick. If Iupati is not available, I look for Minnesota to draft a CB like Patrick Robinson because of the injury to Cedric Griffin.

31. Indianapolis Colts

Brady’s Pick: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

I think Price would be a good pick for the Colts.  Their defensive tackles aren’t great, and Brian Price was insanely productive at UCLA.  He’s very disruptive.

John’s Pick: Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida

The Colts need some upgrades on the offensive line and will be hoping that the Vikings think a CB is more of a need than offensive guard. But, Pouncey may actually be a better pick for the Colts. Pouncey can come in immediately and start at guard and serve as the eventual successor to Jeff Saturday at center whenever he decides to hang them up.

32. New Orleans Saints

Brady’s Pick: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

I like Weatherspoon a lot and the Saints are really hoping he’s available here as he fills a big need.  Weatherspoon was extremely productive at Missouri and did well at the combine.

John’s Pick: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Other than Will Smith, the Saints weren’t able to get a good pass rush. They need somebody to go on the other side of Smith. Dunlap’s stock has taken a hit because of his lack of effort, but he has all the potential in the world. He is a freakish athlete, and is worth the risk here at the end of the first round.

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