radford,Oklahoma(JR): The most complete quarterback in the draft.Lets face it the Rams were porous last year but drafting a franchise quarterback could ignite a turnaround. Bradford never really had great receivers at Oklahoma which will help him in St.Louis with there limited receiving options. He possesses great size,accuracy,underrated arm strength, and he has great mobility outside the pocket. Hopefully the Rams can protect him and add some options throughout the offseason. I only question his durability but after his pro day I'm convinced that this is the right #1 pick.
2. Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska: The best DT prospect I've seen in the last 5 years.
If not for Sam Bradford, Suh would be the #1 pick. This pick will either come down to Suh or McCoy and I give Suh the slight edge. At this point, Suh plays exceptional against the run as well as getting pressure on the quarterback. Jim Schwartz is putting an emphasis on stopping the run and it all starts up front. The sky is the limit for Suh who only seems to get everybody and hasn't reached his ceiling yet. If he has a weakness it may lack of pass-rushing moves because he easily dominated college opponents with his strength.
If not for Sam Bradford, Suh would be the #1 pick. This pick will either come down to Suh or McCoy and I give Suh the slight edge. At this point, Suh plays exceptional against the run as well as getting pressure on the quarterback. Jim Schwartz is putting an emphasis on stopping the run and it all starts up front. The sky is the limit for Suh who only seems to get everybody and hasn't reached his ceiling yet. If he has a weakness it may lack of pass-rushing moves because he easily dominated college opponents with his strength.
3. Tampa Bay Bucaneers DT Gerald McCoy (JR) Oklahoma: The most dominant pass-rusher of this year's class.
In 1995, the Bucs drafted a DT with similar abilities who had an outstanding career. Sapp and McCoy are rush-first tackles who can also play the run. After finishing 26th in sacks in 09,McCoy should bring some life to aging defensive line. Eric Berry is also an option here but with the Buc's draft history McCoy will be too hard to pass up. He may need to add some power moves to his arsenal but he lacks a glaring hole in his game.
4. Washington Redskins OT Russel Okung,Oklahoma State: A need pick with the acquisition of Donovan McNabb.
The Skins' could go any number of directions with this pick but I think they'll settle with this franchise tackle. Had Chris Samuel stayed I would have Eric Berry at this spot but this draft has an assortment of defensive playmakers.Its hard to argue with picking a left tackle early after the success of guys like Joe Thomas,Jake Long, and Ryan Clady. Okung is a tremendous pass-blocker who should be the starter from Day 1. But he didn't play in a pro-style offense at OSU and I question his physicality in the run game.
In 1995, the Bucs drafted a DT with similar abilities who had an outstanding career. Sapp and McCoy are rush-first tackles who can also play the run. After finishing 26th in sacks in 09,McCoy should bring some life to aging defensive line. Eric Berry is also an option here but with the Buc's draft history McCoy will be too hard to pass up. He may need to add some power moves to his arsenal but he lacks a glaring hole in his game.
4. Washington Redskins OT Russel Okung,Oklahoma State: A need pick with the acquisition of Donovan McNabb.
The Skins' could go any number of directions with this pick but I think they'll settle with this franchise tackle. Had Chris Samuel stayed I would have Eric Berry at this spot but this draft has an assortment of defensive playmakers.Its hard to argue with picking a left tackle early after the success of guys like Joe Thomas,Jake Long, and Ryan Clady. Okung is a tremendous pass-blocker who should be the starter from Day 1. But he didn't play in a pro-style offense at OSU and I question his physicality in the run game.
5. Kansas City Chiefs S Eric Berry,Tennessee(JR): One of the most dominating safeties to ever play college football.
This is a no-brainer for the Chiefs who haven't had solid safety production since Jerome Woods and Greg Wesley were deep. With the exception of Brandon Flowers, the defensive backfield lacks a reliable playmaker let alone one with the skill set of Berry. With Berry, the Chiefs can blitz more and even bring him up in coverage to cover a slot receiver. Although the Chiefs could take a tackle at this spot; a porous secondary will be to hard to ignore. He may need to bulk up but injuries have never been a problem in the past.
This is a no-brainer for the Chiefs who haven't had solid safety production since Jerome Woods and Greg Wesley were deep. With the exception of Brandon Flowers, the defensive backfield lacks a reliable playmaker let alone one with the skill set of Berry. With Berry, the Chiefs can blitz more and even bring him up in coverage to cover a slot receiver. Although the Chiefs could take a tackle at this spot; a porous secondary will be to hard to ignore. He may need to bulk up but injuries have never been a problem in the past.
6. Seattle Seahawks QB Jimmy Clausen,Notre Dame(JR): Clausen has the best skill-set of any of them quarterbacks in the draft.
With the hiring of Pete Carroll, the Seahawks need a to find a fresh new face for the franchise. Matt Hasselbeck has had a respectable career but he’s on his last legs. Clausen’s still raw but he has good size and a big-time arm. He also played in a pro-style offense that should help him with Carroll’s system. Clausen tends to lob the ball up for grabs and his decision-making is questionable at times.
With the hiring of Pete Carroll, the Seahawks need a to find a fresh new face for the franchise. Matt Hasselbeck has had a respectable career but he’s on his last legs. Clausen’s still raw but he has good size and a big-time arm. He also played in a pro-style offense that should help him with Carroll’s system. Clausen tends to lob the ball up for grabs and his decision-making is questionable at times.
7. Cleveland Browns WR Dez Bryant,Oklahoma State(JR):An exciting player whose college career ended in controversy.
To really get a feel for Dez Bryant's game you'll have to go back to his 08 season when he was an AP All-American. After missing 8 games due to breaking NCAA rules, Bryant seems like a boom or bust pick. However the Browns are desperate for a playmaker on the outside since the Braylon Edward's trade and Bryant is the best receiver in this year's draft. He runs good routes,catches in traffic well, and he knows what to do with the ball in his hands. But he does have some character questions and his routes are sometimes predictable. Overall I think this the right pick for a team in need of a WR.
To really get a feel for Dez Bryant's game you'll have to go back to his 08 season when he was an AP All-American. After missing 8 games due to breaking NCAA rules, Bryant seems like a boom or bust pick. However the Browns are desperate for a playmaker on the outside since the Braylon Edward's trade and Bryant is the best receiver in this year's draft. He runs good routes,catches in traffic well, and he knows what to do with the ball in his hands. But he does have some character questions and his routes are sometimes predictable. Overall I think this the right pick for a team in need of a WR.
8. Oakland Raiders DE Jason Pierre-Paul,USF(JR): Reminds me of a young Jevon Kearse
I would be shocked if Al Davis goes offense this year after his last 3 offensive picks have been quiet to put it nicely. Davis is enamored with speedy players and the Raiders are in the market for a disruptive pass-rusher. At 6'5 270lbs,Pierre-Paul has excellent size and his 4.6 40 is equally as impressive. Lack of experience is his biggest negative as he only played a year of major college football.
I would be shocked if Al Davis goes offense this year after his last 3 offensive picks have been quiet to put it nicely. Davis is enamored with speedy players and the Raiders are in the market for a disruptive pass-rusher. At 6'5 270lbs,Pierre-Paul has excellent size and his 4.6 40 is equally as impressive. Lack of experience is his biggest negative as he only played a year of major college football.
9. Buffalo Bills OT Bryan Bulaga,Iowa (JR): The former Hawkeyes’ star will go early in a draft dominated by linemen.
The Bills offense last year was to put it nicely non-existent. It starts up front and the Bills played musical chairs on the O-Line all year. Enter Bulaga, who’ll open up holes on the left side for RBs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. He’s probably the strongest tackle in the draft and he plays a bit nasty a la Jon Runyan. He struggles against quick pass rushers who can get to the edge. This moves makes perfect sense because the Bills really missed the presence of Jason Peters.
The Bills offense last year was to put it nicely non-existent. It starts up front and the Bills played musical chairs on the O-Line all year. Enter Bulaga, who’ll open up holes on the left side for RBs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. He’s probably the strongest tackle in the draft and he plays a bit nasty a la Jon Runyan. He struggles against quick pass rushers who can get to the edge. This moves makes perfect sense because the Bills really missed the presence of Jason Peters.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars CB Joe Haden, Florida (JR): Haden is excellent in coverage and he played against elite talent in the SEC.
Aside from Rashean Mathis, the Jags lack another playmaker in the secondary. Look for Haden, to make an instant impact opposite Mathis. He understands zone coverage and was the Darrelle Revis of college football last season. He’ll also come up in run support and deliver a big hit. Haden rarely gets beat but when he does its in off coverage he seems a little stiff at times.
Aside from Rashean Mathis, the Jags lack another playmaker in the secondary. Look for Haden, to make an instant impact opposite Mathis. He understands zone coverage and was the Darrelle Revis of college football last season. He’ll also come up in run support and deliver a big hit. Haden rarely gets beat but when he does its in off coverage he seems a little stiff at times.
11. Denver Broncos LB Rolando McClain, Alabama: Will add some youth to an aging linebacking core.
Easily this year's most versatile linebacker will probably play opposite DJ Williams to form an explosive group of LBs. McClain can do everything at any LB position and rarely seems to miss a tackle. Denver also needs a DT but none of the tackles left warrant a top-12 selection. Playing in a 3-4 will benefit McClain who at times struggled to get off blocks as well as playing the dive. The move may allow DJ Williams to go back outside to his more natural position or McClain may move outside.
Easily this year's most versatile linebacker will probably play opposite DJ Williams to form an explosive group of LBs. McClain can do everything at any LB position and rarely seems to miss a tackle. Denver also needs a DT but none of the tackles left warrant a top-12 selection. Playing in a 3-4 will benefit McClain who at times struggled to get off blocks as well as playing the dive. The move may allow DJ Williams to go back outside to his more natural position or McClain may move outside.
12. Miami Dolphins S Earl Thomas(SO), Texas: A ball-hawk in the middle who's the best centerfielder of this class.
In 09, the Fins' secondary was a bit outmatched when they started 2 rookie corners but suprisingly the corners held their own. But they often didn't have much insurance behind them as Yeremiah Bell played in the box and Gibril Wilson was virtually invisible in pass coverage. Now they'll have a safety who attacks the ball and isn't afraid to come up in run support to deliver the big hit.Thomas not only intercepted the ball in 09 but also made the defensive calls for the secondary. I like his aggressiveness while the ball's in the air I just wished he would wrap up more instead of going for the big hit sometimes.
13. San Francisco 49ers OT Trent Williams,Oklahoma: Should give Alex Smith instant blindside protection.
Williams put together a good senior campaign and established himself as one of the premier pass-blockers in the nation. Didn’t allow many sacks while playing against some of the top pass-rushers. Gifted player with great strength who truly plays till the whistle. Still needs to work on his zone blitz pickup and his footwork is questionable. Wasn’t really the same player after he gave up the hit that ended Sam Bradford’s college career.
In 09, the Fins' secondary was a bit outmatched when they started 2 rookie corners but suprisingly the corners held their own. But they often didn't have much insurance behind them as Yeremiah Bell played in the box and Gibril Wilson was virtually invisible in pass coverage. Now they'll have a safety who attacks the ball and isn't afraid to come up in run support to deliver the big hit.Thomas not only intercepted the ball in 09 but also made the defensive calls for the secondary. I like his aggressiveness while the ball's in the air I just wished he would wrap up more instead of going for the big hit sometimes.
13. San Francisco 49ers OT Trent Williams,Oklahoma: Should give Alex Smith instant blindside protection.
Williams put together a good senior campaign and established himself as one of the premier pass-blockers in the nation. Didn’t allow many sacks while playing against some of the top pass-rushers. Gifted player with great strength who truly plays till the whistle. Still needs to work on his zone blitz pickup and his footwork is questionable. Wasn’t really the same player after he gave up the hit that ended Sam Bradford’s college career.
14. Seattle Seahawks RB CJ Spiller, Clemson: Has a football player's mentality with the speed of an Olympic sprinter.
In his 4 years at Clemson,Spiller basically carried his team and was a threat everytime he touched the ball. The Hawk's don't have a franchise running back and Pete Carroll loves those smaller speed backs with versatility. Spiller has slowly risen up my draft board after a good combine in which he clocked a 4.37. Coupled with Justin Forsett, Spiller should see success and remain healthy because of the decreased workload. At Clemson, he was overused but the fact remains he does seem to be injury-prone. Nonetheless it would be foolish to pass up a RB with as much upside and talent as Spiller.
In his 4 years at Clemson,Spiller basically carried his team and was a threat everytime he touched the ball. The Hawk's don't have a franchise running back and Pete Carroll loves those smaller speed backs with versatility. Spiller has slowly risen up my draft board after a good combine in which he clocked a 4.37. Coupled with Justin Forsett, Spiller should see success and remain healthy because of the decreased workload. At Clemson, he was overused but the fact remains he does seem to be injury-prone. Nonetheless it would be foolish to pass up a RB with as much upside and talent as Spiller.
15. New York Giants LB Sean Witherspoon,Missouri: A born leader who can play any of the LB positions.
Witherspoon has seen his stock rise after putting on a clinic at the Combine and Senior Bowl. Besides his dominating play,Spoon' constantly seemed to relish his leadership role as the MLB of his defense. This pick would fill a need after the G-Men released long-time starter Antonio Pierce. Witherspoon will come in and immediately contribute I believe he'll be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. If Weatherspoon does have a weakness its making plays on runs that are coming directly at him.
Witherspoon has seen his stock rise after putting on a clinic at the Combine and Senior Bowl. Besides his dominating play,Spoon' constantly seemed to relish his leadership role as the MLB of his defense. This pick would fill a need after the G-Men released long-time starter Antonio Pierce. Witherspoon will come in and immediately contribute I believe he'll be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. If Weatherspoon does have a weakness its making plays on runs that are coming directly at him.
16. Tennessee Titans DE Derrick Morgan(JR), Georgia Tech: The most polished end in the draft who plays the run and the pass.
In the past 2 season,the Titans have lost Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth to free agency. The defensive line will be the #1 priority in the draft this year,particularly at defensive end. Morgan may not be the best pass-rusher of the draft but he is the safest end in the draft. He's plays hard against the run and never seems to give up or take plays off. Throughout his junior season, he constantly faced double teams but he still finished with 12 sacks. Morgan's average combine performance is the only reason the Titans will be getting this steal at 16.
In the past 2 season,the Titans have lost Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth to free agency. The defensive line will be the #1 priority in the draft this year,particularly at defensive end. Morgan may not be the best pass-rusher of the draft but he is the safest end in the draft. He's plays hard against the run and never seems to give up or take plays off. Throughout his junior season, he constantly faced double teams but he still finished with 12 sacks. Morgan's average combine performance is the only reason the Titans will be getting this steal at 16.
17. San Francisco 49ersCB Kyle Wilson,Boise State: An excellent corner who also is a great returner.
To play for Mike Singletary, you have to be physical and Wilson has the perfect blend of finesse and physicality. Wilson loves to play press coverage but he's also solid in off coverage. Has great football IQ and generally understands what the offense is trying to do. A tough player who recognizes run and quickly comes up to make a tackle on the outside. The Niners will get a corner that can start right away or begin his career in the nickel package. He may struggle against the bigger faster receivers in the league as he stands only 5'10 and is a high 4.4 guy.
To play for Mike Singletary, you have to be physical and Wilson has the perfect blend of finesse and physicality. Wilson loves to play press coverage but he's also solid in off coverage. Has great football IQ and generally understands what the offense is trying to do. A tough player who recognizes run and quickly comes up to make a tackle on the outside. The Niners will get a corner that can start right away or begin his career in the nickel package. He may struggle against the bigger faster receivers in the league as he stands only 5'10 and is a high 4.4 guy.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers DT Terrence Cody,Alabama An unmovable nose tackle who constantly eats double teams.
This may be a little high for Cody but nose tackles of his caliber are the key in any 3-4 alignment. At 6'4 350lbs, he reminds me of Shaun Rogers especially with his quickness off the ball and knack for blocking kicks. I know the Steelers already have Pro Bowler Casey Hampton but he's getting old and it'll only help Cody to learn from a player of his caliber. Pittsburgh could opt for an offensive lineman but I can't see them missing out on a nose tackle with such great size. Cody has had weight issues in the past that could hurt him but many NFL nose tackles struggle with weight.
This may be a little high for Cody but nose tackles of his caliber are the key in any 3-4 alignment. At 6'4 350lbs, he reminds me of Shaun Rogers especially with his quickness off the ball and knack for blocking kicks. I know the Steelers already have Pro Bowler Casey Hampton but he's getting old and it'll only help Cody to learn from a player of his caliber. Pittsburgh could opt for an offensive lineman but I can't see them missing out on a nose tackle with such great size. Cody has had weight issues in the past that could hurt him but many NFL nose tackles struggle with weight.
19. Atlanta Falcons OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland: An extremely athletic tackle with huge potential
The NFL Combine can either make or break a player's draft stock and for Campbell it will propel him into Atlanta. Campbell clocked a 4.85,had a 32 in.vertical, and did 34 reps of 225lbs on the bench press. You'd look at those numbers and think finesse pass blockers but make no mistake about it Campbell's dominates defenders in the run game. While the Falcons weren't horrible last year they still could improve especially since Matt Ryan and Michael Turner had sub-par seasons. I don't think Campbell is ready to be a starting left tackle yet but the Falcons already have a good left tackle in Sam Baker. He'll probably play right tackle until he's ready to switch and this will help the Falcons in the run game. He has the measurables but needs to play better against those smaller quicker defensive ends.
The NFL Combine can either make or break a player's draft stock and for Campbell it will propel him into Atlanta. Campbell clocked a 4.85,had a 32 in.vertical, and did 34 reps of 225lbs on the bench press. You'd look at those numbers and think finesse pass blockers but make no mistake about it Campbell's dominates defenders in the run game. While the Falcons weren't horrible last year they still could improve especially since Matt Ryan and Michael Turner had sub-par seasons. I don't think Campbell is ready to be a starting left tackle yet but the Falcons already have a good left tackle in Sam Baker. He'll probably play right tackle until he's ready to switch and this will help the Falcons in the run game. He has the measurables but needs to play better against those smaller quicker defensive ends.
20. Houston Texans RB Ryan Mathews(JR), Fresno State: A big back with huge production his junior year.
When I first learned of Mathews leading the nation in rushing I questioned his lack of competition and his team's lack of talent. After watching tape of him I say that he would have lead the nation in rushing at any school. Blessed with excellent lower body strength and good long speed its surprising he didn't eclipse the 2,000 yd mark. The Texans are uncertain at RB with Slaton coming off a year full of fumbles and their inability to convert on short-yardage running plays. Mathews and Slaton could rejuvenate a stagnant rushing attack and take some of the pressure off Matt Schaub. He doesnt have any serious weaknesses although he did struggle with injuries his sophomore season.
When I first learned of Mathews leading the nation in rushing I questioned his lack of competition and his team's lack of talent. After watching tape of him I say that he would have lead the nation in rushing at any school. Blessed with excellent lower body strength and good long speed its surprising he didn't eclipse the 2,000 yd mark. The Texans are uncertain at RB with Slaton coming off a year full of fumbles and their inability to convert on short-yardage running plays. Mathews and Slaton could rejuvenate a stagnant rushing attack and take some of the pressure off Matt Schaub. He doesnt have any serious weaknesses although he did struggle with injuries his sophomore season.
21. Cincinnati Bengals TE Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh: A smaller tight end who's a dangerous receiver
Dickerson seemingly came out of nowhere after playing defense in 2007 and finishing 2009 as an All-American TE. Behind Vernon Davis he may have had one of the best performances at the NFL Combine ever. He runs the 40 in 4.40, he jumped 43 in., and even did 24 reps on the bench press. In space, he could be a problem because he rarely gets tackled by the 1st defender and his speed may make him a mismatch for safeties to cover. The Bengals need a TE more than anyone and they haven't had a viable TE in about 15 years. Carson Palmer wouldn't feel the need to force it to Chad Ochocinco if he had someone who could threaten the middle of the field. Like most receiving TEs, Dickerson isnt exactly a sledgehammer in the run game and he may need to bulk up some more.
22. New England Patriots WR Arrelious Benn(JR), Illinois: A monster at WR who reminds you of an Anquan Boldin.
The Pat's usually don't draft receivers and after Chad Jackson I really don't blame them but Benn is the complete opposite of Jackson. Benn plays with a chip on his shoulder and rather then avoid contact he likes to deliver the blow to the defense. With Wes Welker out indefinitely and Moss' contract situations;the Pats need to give Tom Brady another option on the outside. After a stellar freshman season his numbers steadily declined but he had inconsistent play at quaterback.
Dickerson seemingly came out of nowhere after playing defense in 2007 and finishing 2009 as an All-American TE. Behind Vernon Davis he may have had one of the best performances at the NFL Combine ever. He runs the 40 in 4.40, he jumped 43 in., and even did 24 reps on the bench press. In space, he could be a problem because he rarely gets tackled by the 1st defender and his speed may make him a mismatch for safeties to cover. The Bengals need a TE more than anyone and they haven't had a viable TE in about 15 years. Carson Palmer wouldn't feel the need to force it to Chad Ochocinco if he had someone who could threaten the middle of the field. Like most receiving TEs, Dickerson isnt exactly a sledgehammer in the run game and he may need to bulk up some more.
22. New England Patriots WR Arrelious Benn(JR), Illinois: A monster at WR who reminds you of an Anquan Boldin.
The Pat's usually don't draft receivers and after Chad Jackson I really don't blame them but Benn is the complete opposite of Jackson. Benn plays with a chip on his shoulder and rather then avoid contact he likes to deliver the blow to the defense. With Wes Welker out indefinitely and Moss' contract situations;the Pats need to give Tom Brady another option on the outside. After a stellar freshman season his numbers steadily declined but he had inconsistent play at quaterback.
23. Green Bay Packers OT Charles Brown, USC: Great blend of finesse and toughness can play either tackle positions.
We all know the Packers give up sacks way too easy but Aaron Rodgers does like to hold the ball to long and they were injury-depleted. Brown is probably a better pass-blocker than run-blocker at this point which will help him on a pass-oriented team. In 2009, he showed he can mix it up inside the trenches by finishing with a slew of vicious pancake blocks. Unlike most of the 1st rounders, Brown will most likely sit his first season behind veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Expect him to be the starter in 2011 but if injuries occur he could see some time in 2010. After watching some film on him, I see that he plays a bit high sometimes and he struggles to find his man on stunts.
We all know the Packers give up sacks way too easy but Aaron Rodgers does like to hold the ball to long and they were injury-depleted. Brown is probably a better pass-blocker than run-blocker at this point which will help him on a pass-oriented team. In 2009, he showed he can mix it up inside the trenches by finishing with a slew of vicious pancake blocks. Unlike most of the 1st rounders, Brown will most likely sit his first season behind veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Expect him to be the starter in 2011 but if injuries occur he could see some time in 2010. After watching some film on him, I see that he plays a bit high sometimes and he struggles to find his man on stunts.
24. Philadelphia Eagles S Taylor Mays, USC: A big,physical safety who constantly punishes ball carriers.
Before the combine,there was talk that maybe Taylor Mays would be better suited at LB with his 6'3 230lbs frame. Mays quickly put that idea to rest after clocking a blazing 4.43 which was the fastest time for a DB at the combine. His combine performance put him back into the 1st rd. and I don't think the Eagles will complain. Philly struggled to find a FS after Brian Dawkins' release and constantly gave up big plays. Mays will be the enforcer and won't have to worry about making the calls like he did in his senior season at USC. They may switch Mays to SS to let him play more in the box to help in the run game and cover TEs. Mays still needs to work on his change of direction skills and his man to man cover skills. He worries me because he only finished with 4 ints in 4 years at SC and the majority of the time they were playing against teams that were forced to throw.
Before the combine,there was talk that maybe Taylor Mays would be better suited at LB with his 6'3 230lbs frame. Mays quickly put that idea to rest after clocking a blazing 4.43 which was the fastest time for a DB at the combine. His combine performance put him back into the 1st rd. and I don't think the Eagles will complain. Philly struggled to find a FS after Brian Dawkins' release and constantly gave up big plays. Mays will be the enforcer and won't have to worry about making the calls like he did in his senior season at USC. They may switch Mays to SS to let him play more in the box to help in the run game and cover TEs. Mays still needs to work on his change of direction skills and his man to man cover skills. He worries me because he only finished with 4 ints in 4 years at SC and the majority of the time they were playing against teams that were forced to throw.
25. Baltimore Ravens CB Patrick Robinson, Florida State: Has the best footwork of any DB in the draft.
It’s a possibility that Ed Reed won’t be back for the 2010 season. If that’s the case the Ravens need to get stronger at CB. Robinson is great in man coverage and is decent in zone. He also isn’t afraid of contact which is a must playing for the Ravens D. Honestly, Robinson didn’t play up to his potential in 09. I think he suffered from not having Myron Rolle behind him. He made some mental errors but physically the tools are all there for him to make an impact.
It’s a possibility that Ed Reed won’t be back for the 2010 season. If that’s the case the Ravens need to get stronger at CB. Robinson is great in man coverage and is decent in zone. He also isn’t afraid of contact which is a must playing for the Ravens D. Honestly, Robinson didn’t play up to his potential in 09. I think he suffered from not having Myron Rolle behind him. He made some mental errors but physically the tools are all there for him to make an impact.
26. Arizona Cardinals LB Sergio Kindle,Texas: A pass-rusher who’ll be asked to play LB in the league.
With the offense pretty stacked, the Cards add some youth to an already solid unit. With aging OLBs, Kindle will fit just fine on a defense that was 6th in sacks a year ago. He’s a strong rusher with decent speed off the edge. He didn’t do a lot in coverage at Texas but he won’t be asked to do that in Arizona either. I predicted that Kindle would lead the nation in sacks in 09 but he only finished with 3. While he’s aggressive and athletic he still needs to add more pass-rushing moves to his repertoire.
With the offense pretty stacked, the Cards add some youth to an already solid unit. With aging OLBs, Kindle will fit just fine on a defense that was 6th in sacks a year ago. He’s a strong rusher with decent speed off the edge. He didn’t do a lot in coverage at Texas but he won’t be asked to do that in Arizona either. I predicted that Kindle would lead the nation in sacks in 09 but he only finished with 3. While he’s aggressive and athletic he still needs to add more pass-rushing moves to his repertoire.
27. Dallas Cowboys OT Anthony Davis(JR), Rutgers: A mammoth left tackle with great strength.
This pick is no surprise because the Boy's need a left tackle and they love those huge linemen who run block well. Davis has incredible strength and it seems like once he gets his hands on the defender it's over. He'll have to come into camp ready to work because they'll need him to start right away after releasing Flozell Adams. Reminds me alot of Adams especially with his attitude because he really finishes his blocks and sometimes plays after the whistle. But he doesn't seem very athletic and he really struggles against those speed rushers; needs to work on his footwork.
This pick is no surprise because the Boy's need a left tackle and they love those huge linemen who run block well. Davis has incredible strength and it seems like once he gets his hands on the defender it's over. He'll have to come into camp ready to work because they'll need him to start right away after releasing Flozell Adams. Reminds me alot of Adams especially with his attitude because he really finishes his blocks and sometimes plays after the whistle. But he doesn't seem very athletic and he really struggles against those speed rushers; needs to work on his footwork.
28. San Diego Chargers RB Jahvid Best,California (JR): The fastest full-time player in the draft easily.
Ladainian Tomlinson won’t be returning in 2010 and this move will give the Bolts a more explosive rushin attack.Best and Darren Sproles will be one of the fastest duos the league has ever seen. Prior to 09, Best was in fact the best back in the nation. He combines great speed with excellent vision. If it weren’t for his concussion, he’d probably be in the top 10. He has durability issues but its probably because of his workload at Cal.
Ladainian Tomlinson won’t be returning in 2010 and this move will give the Bolts a more explosive rushin attack.Best and Darren Sproles will be one of the fastest duos the league has ever seen. Prior to 09, Best was in fact the best back in the nation. He combines great speed with excellent vision. If it weren’t for his concussion, he’d probably be in the top 10. He has durability issues but its probably because of his workload at Cal.
29. New York Jets OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan: An excellent pass-rusher with a high motor and good burst.
The Jets went offense last year expect them to give Rex Ryan more weapons in this year's draft. Graham can flat out rush the passer, he did it on a defense that wasnt very good and was poorly coached. I can't say the Jets' really have a weakness on defense but they do need to get better at OLB especially since Vernon Gholston has been underachieving. After seeing the success of Elvis Dumervil in Denver, the Jets will jump at the opportunity to pick a shorter more stout pas-rusher. Doesn't have ideal size or eye-popping measurables but he's a football player and his game tapes will get him in the 1st rd.
The Jets went offense last year expect them to give Rex Ryan more weapons in this year's draft. Graham can flat out rush the passer, he did it on a defense that wasnt very good and was poorly coached. I can't say the Jets' really have a weakness on defense but they do need to get better at OLB especially since Vernon Gholston has been underachieving. After seeing the success of Elvis Dumervil in Denver, the Jets will jump at the opportunity to pick a shorter more stout pas-rusher. Doesn't have ideal size or eye-popping measurables but he's a football player and his game tapes will get him in the 1st rd.
30. Minnesota Vikings CB Devin McCourty,Rutgers: A speedy corner who adds value on special teams.
The Vikes' are hurting at corner with a huge injury to Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield getting older. McCourty isn't afraid to come up in run support and he is very good in off coverage. He returned punts and kicks including a 98yd td against UConn and he was the gunner on punt team. Although he only ran a 4.48 his game speed indicates that he runs much faster than that which will be fine by the Vikes. I haven't seen him play much bump n run and he only finished with 6 picks in 4 yrs.
The Vikes' are hurting at corner with a huge injury to Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield getting older. McCourty isn't afraid to come up in run support and he is very good in off coverage. He returned punts and kicks including a 98yd td against UConn and he was the gunner on punt team. Although he only ran a 4.48 his game speed indicates that he runs much faster than that which will be fine by the Vikes. I haven't seen him play much bump n run and he only finished with 6 picks in 4 yrs.
31. Indianapolis Colts G Mike Iupati, Idaho: A tough guard that plays with a mean streak.
Its been a while since the Colts drafted a lineman in the 1st rd. but I don't think the timing could be any better. Iupati can play either guard or tackle but I think his best position is guard. The Colts need to re-establish their run game after finishing last in rushing. They have the right backs, now its time to get a little more physical up front and Iupati is one of the most physical lineman in this year's draft. Although he has excellent feet he does have a tendency to hold and grab shoulder pads.
Its been a while since the Colts drafted a lineman in the 1st rd. but I don't think the timing could be any better. Iupati can play either guard or tackle but I think his best position is guard. The Colts need to re-establish their run game after finishing last in rushing. They have the right backs, now its time to get a little more physical up front and Iupati is one of the most physical lineman in this year's draft. Although he has excellent feet he does have a tendency to hold and grab shoulder pads.
32. New Orleans Saints DE Carlos Dunlap(JR), Florida: The prototypical pass rusher who can do it all.
Gregg Williams loves to be aggressive and get after the quarterback;he'll benefit from Dunlap's ability. Many people claim that Dunlap is an even better athlete than former Gator Jevon Kearse; the jury may be still out on that one. But I do know that he's 6'8 275lbs running a 4.7 with the wingspan of a 7 footer. Even when he doesnt get to the QB he still bats the ball down or minimizes the throwing lane. Not only does he make plays on his side of the field but he has the ability to chase down plays from behind. Dunlap has some character issues after he was arrested last December for a DUI and then suspended for Florida's bowl game. He also takes plays off and he needs to be more aggressive against the run.
Gregg Williams loves to be aggressive and get after the quarterback;he'll benefit from Dunlap's ability. Many people claim that Dunlap is an even better athlete than former Gator Jevon Kearse; the jury may be still out on that one. But I do know that he's 6'8 275lbs running a 4.7 with the wingspan of a 7 footer. Even when he doesnt get to the QB he still bats the ball down or minimizes the throwing lane. Not only does he make plays on his side of the field but he has the ability to chase down plays from behind. Dunlap has some character issues after he was arrested last December for a DUI and then suspended for Florida's bowl game. He also takes plays off and he needs to be more aggressive against the run.
