A final mock before the draft
By Mel Kiper
ESPN.com
It's hard to do a mock draft considering all the trade situations I know exist out there. And it's not just the trades that could alter the path of the first round -- there's also the new reality that with the draft broken into an extra day, there's more time for personnel people to hold their newly drafted players like trade chips. It truly is a first for all of us.
That said, there are a lot of new wrinkles in this final mock, as we learn more about players and, more importantly, what the evaluators across the NFL think of them. So here we go with one last look before the festivities begin. As an added note, on Monday after the draft,
you can meet me and ask questions about how your team did. We'll be at Baltimore's ESPN Zone. Check it out.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=stlhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=stlSt. Louis Rams[/h6]
Record: 1-15
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&id=25545Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
The bottom line with Bradford is he's done everything possible to reclaim the same status he held last year before he opted not to go pro. He would have been, in my mind, the top pick in last year's draft. And given that St. Louis has passed on
Matt Ryan and
Mark Sanchez in the past two drafts, they feel comfortable pulling the trigger on Bradford. Sure, there are concerns about the system Bradford came from, and the adjustments he'll have to make, but if the Rams don't expect him to be a savior from day one, they could have a special player.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dethttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=detDetroit Lions[/h6]
Record: 2-14
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
The Lions have made some moves to upgrade along the defensive line, but that doesn't mean they should reach on an offensive tackle or trade the pick away, both things they could consider. If they remain here, Suh is the obvious choice, a player who can be dominant in any system. He immediately helps both the pass and rush defense, and he has the relentlessness and character the franchise needs to build around.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tamhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tamTampa Bay Buccaneers[/h6]
Record: 3-13
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
McCoy may be the best all-around talent in the draft, a defensive lineman who can seemingly do it all. McCoy is a gap-penetrating, three-technique DT who fits Tampa's system beautifully. McCoy is sturdy versus the run and disruptive against the pass.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=washttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=wasWashington ********[/h6]
Record: 4-12
Trent Williams, T, Oklahoma
Williams is the first big surprise of the first round, but his status won't surprise those making the picks in the middle of the top 10. Through the workout process, both at the combine and individually with teams, he's proved himself to be perhaps the most versatile talent in the draft at any position. You're talking about a guy NFL teams believe could play virtually anywhere on the offensive line. That many believe he can develop into a solid NFL left tackle is cause for his continued rise.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kanhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kanKansas City Chiefs[/h6]
Record: 4-12
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
A tough call only because the Chiefs have needs all over the field. But Berry is a supreme talent, a guy capable of becoming a perennial Pro Bowl player in a league that places more and more importance on the safety position. The
Ed Reed comparisons hold up, but Berry won't have to wait four a couple of hours, like Reed, to hear his name called.
http://http://http://http://
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/inside...://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sea]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=seaSeattle Seahawks[/h6]
Record: 5-11
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Seahawks will be tickled to find Okung here. They need to find the heir to the great
Walter Jones on the left side of the offensive line, and Okung is the steadiest player at the position in the draft. Okung gains value because he should be able to take over the position immediately. An easy pick for the Hawks.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=clehttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cleCleveland Browns[/h6]
Record: 5-11
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Morgan has the versatility to be effective in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 from the defensive end position. He's relentless as a pass-rusher, even against the double-team, and he maintains leverage to be strong against the run. It's rare to find a player who seems to understand what a coach needs from his position the way Morgan does, and he could help the Browns immediately.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=oakhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=oakOakland Raiders[/h6]
Record: 5-11
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
At this writing, Oakland still holds the No. 8 pick. Obviously, we know there's plenty of intrigue and discussions about how Pittsburgh could end up here. However, given the Raiders' circumstances, Clausen represents the possible franchise quarterback that Al Davis covets, and if the Steelers were to somehow end up here, certainly Clausen could be within their sights as well.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bufhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bufBuffalo Bills[/h6]
Record: 6-10
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&id=25731Anthony Davis
[/url], OT, Rutgers
Davis not only has as much upside as any player in the draft, but he plays a position the Bills simply must address. It's that simple. If Davis lives up to his potential, he could be a Pro Bowl left tackle for years to come. Even if he takes some time to develop, he's better than what the Bills have now. You can't truly evaluate a quarterback until you give him a chance, and Davis would be a good start.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jachttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jacJacksonville Jaguars[/h6]
Record: 7-9
C.J. Spiller
, RB, Clemson
I don't think Spiller represents the greatest need for the Jags. This is a team that couldn't get near opposing quarterbacks last season. However, since the Jags have tried to upgrade at defensive end via free agency, Spiller offers the most explosive offensive talent for an offense that needs it. He may may not be Jacksonville's top overall need, but Spiller is a player who can pay dividends.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=denhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=denDenver Broncos (from Chicago)[/h6]
Record: 7-9
Rolando McClain
, LB, Alabama
McClain is the ideal inside linebacker to quarterback the defense, a player who shows instincts beyond his years. He's been coached well. Some will consider this a slight reach, but McClain fits the scheme well, can step in immediately, and flat-out makes tackles. He doesn't overwhelm you with speed, but he's an exceptional, instinctive football player.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=miahttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=miaMiami Dolphins[/h6]
Record:7-9
Sergio Kindle
, OLB, Texas
There's a lot of talk that the Dolphins could trade down from this pick, but if they remain, Kindle is the versatile outside linebacker they could put in alongside
Karlos Dansby. Kindle isn't a remarkable pass-rusher, but shows skills there, combined with necessary length and strength against the run. And he might add more size. The success of
Brian Orakpo last year from a similar draft position certainly won't hurt Kindle.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sfohttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sfoSan Francisco 49ers[/h6]
Record: 8-8
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
There's a chance Bulaga could be converted to the right side from his college position of left tackle, but that's precisely what the 49ers should be thinking. They need a right tackle, and with
Trent Williams no longer available, taking arguably the best pass-blocker on the board and switching him to the right side is a recipe for immediate success.
[h6]
Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)[/h6]
Record: 5-11
Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Seattle has invested in the safety position with not much to show for it over the last couple of years. In Thomas, they should be thrilled to find perhaps the most instinctive player in the draft still here at No. 14. Thomas is a ball hawk who is seemingly everywhere on the field, and he will make big plays in coverage for the Seahawks. A great value.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyghttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nygNew York Giants[/h6]
Record: 8-8
Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
A big jump for Weatherspoon, but even at No. 15, he's just the tackling machine the Giants should be looking for to shore up their linebacking corps. Weatherspoon is in the mold of Dansby, a player who lined up on the outside in college but is an easy convert to a 4-3.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tenhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tenTennessee Titans[/h6]
Record: 8-8
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Don't simply write off Pierre-Paul as some kind of overvalued physical specimen. There's enough tape on him to prove he can get to the passer, and his off-the-charts physical attributes will have every defensive-minded coach in the league excited to work with him. Jeff Fisher certainly fits the mold.
[h6]
San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina)[/h6]
Record: 8-8
Joe Haden, CB, Florida
There was a time when San Francisco would have considered the idea that Haden could fall to them -- at No. 13 -- absolutely impossible. Yet an unremarkable 40 and just OK workouts seem to have shifted the image on Haden. But don't be fooled. If tape alone told the story, he still would be, by leaps and bounds, the best corner in the draft this year. He's a solid value at No. 17.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=pithttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=pitPittsburgh Steelers[/h6]
Record: 9-7
Maurkice Pouncey, G/C, Florida
Regardless of what happens at the quarterback position, the Steelers are determined to return to a physical running game, and that starts with reclaiming dominance on the interior of their offensive line. Pouncey has versatility as either a center or guard, and has the skills and tenacity to step in and help from day one.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atlhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atlAtlanta Falcons[/h6]
Record: 9-7
Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
I'll repeat again that Graham is as productive a player as you'll find in the draft. He led the nation in tackles for loss, even as opposing offenses targeted him. His battle was proving that he is more than a potential 3-4 outside linebacker. Well, the proof is here. Graham has the leverage to be disruptive against the run, and his ability to disrupt the backfield as a pass-rusher is unquestioned.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=houhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=houHouston Texans[/h6]
Record: 9-7
Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno St.
Mathews continues to move up as a running back who has the physical capability to handle between-the-tackle running, while also showing the ability to run away from defenders (with the 40 times to back it up). The fact is, while Houston could also use a corner, Mathews solves a problem. They need a feature back who they can trust to be physical and also hold onto the ball.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cinhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cinCincinnati Bengals[/h6]
Record: 10-6
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Character questions finally have caught up a little bit with Bryant. He is, without question, the most gifted player at his position in this draft, but he'll need to prove his professionalism can match his skills. The Bengals offer an ideal situation, where Bryant can be thrust into a system with great leadership at quarterback and players to learn from at receiver. Cincy needs to add weapons and depth in the passing game, and Bryant can't be missed here.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwehttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nweNew England Patriots[/h6]
Record: 10-6
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
New England just added another wideout with
Torry Holt, and Gresham is a top tight end they'd be able to add through the draft. With age questions finally creeping up on
Randy Moss, and the health of
Wes Welker also an issue, Gresham should be a quick study and a favorite target of
Tom Brady soon enough.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=gnbhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=gnbGreen Bay Packers[/h6]
Record: 11-5
Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
You really won't find a player who was more consistently dominant in 2009 than Iupati. And questions about the level of the players he dominated were tossed aside when he battered other players in this draft during the postseason. There's a feeling among evaluators that he will help you run the ball better the moment he's added to the lineup. Iupati can add pass-protection skills, but as a true guard, he's an absolute mauler.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=phihttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=phiPhiladelphia Eagles[/h6]
Record: 11-5
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Wilson is a technician at the cornerback position and should be a great help for Andy Reid in the defensive backfield, which we know is an area of need. There's a thought that Philly could pull the trigger on (or even trade up for) a safety, but Wilson is an exceptional value here. Another very safe pick.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=balhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=balBaltimore Ravens[/h6]
Record: 9-7
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
Every indication out of Baltimore is that this organization is committed to finding more talent in the passing game -- they want help for QB
Joe Flacco. Thomas offers a chance to find a downfield target who can grow with the big-armed QB. He has the ability to make plays when little is there, and he showed it in college within a system where he was the only true weapon in the passing game -- and still couldn't be stopped. A big, physical home run threat.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=arihttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ariArizona Cardinals[/h6]
Record: 10-6
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?page=profile&id=25439&draftyear=2010http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&id=25439Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Williams fills a need as an interior anchor in the 3-4. He's a tremendously strong player, starting with exceptional drive from his lower body, and he can occupy blockers in the same manner he did in Knoxville. Mostly, Williams is a disruptive force against the run and is a great help to linebackers. He can actually help minimize the loss of Karlos Dansby.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dalhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dalDallas Cowboys[/h6]
Record: 11-5
Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana
Cowboys fans should keep January in mind if Jerry Jones pulls the trigger on Saffold on Thursday. Dallas was done in by their inability to protect QB
Tony Romo during the playoffs, and the team must find the best pass-blocker available here. Remember, Saffold dealt with the likes of Brandon Graham,
O'Brien Schofield and
Corey Wootton during Big Ten play, and proved his worth. Saffold continues to rise because he can protect the quarterback, and Dallas needs that type of lineman.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sdghttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sdgSan Diego Chargers[/h6]
Record: 13-3
Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
Jackson has closed the gap on Wilson and Haden among cornerbacks in the draft since the end of the college season. He has good size, has battled top talent, and has impressed scouts with his coverage skills and fluidity. The Chargers need to fill a void at corner, and Jackson is an easy answer.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyjhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyjNew York Jets[/h6]
Record: 9-7
Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
The secret is officially out on Joseph, a player teams have been quiet about, hoping they could move him up their own boards with little fanfare. But the Jets should pull the trigger. Joseph was hugely productive at East Carolina in every facet of the game, and at over 6-4 and 320-plus pounds, he moves like a guy who could play anywhere along the line in Rex Ryan's 3-4. The fastest-rising prospect in the first round.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=minhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=minMinnesota Vikings[/h6]
Record: 12-4
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
I can't promise he'll go here, but my gut tells me Tebow could end up somewhere late in the first round, even as high as No. 22. I'm on the record about what I think are obvious issues in his game as it projects to the NFL, but Tebow has, to his credit, already shown an ability to adapt. He has the intangibles of a No. 1 overall pick, but the key was showing teams he has the promise of being a potential franchise quarterback. And while I'm not totally sold, this should reflect my belief that some are. With
Brett Favre likely returning, the Vikes have a chance to prepare a young talent.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=indhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=indIndianapolis Colts[/h6]
Record: 14-2
Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU
If the Colts have designs on keeping their devastating pass-rush intact for years to come, they can't do better than drafting one of the best pure pass-rushers the draft has to offer. Hughes even has the slightly undersized look of
Dwight Freeney when Indy nabbed him out of Syracuse. Hugely productive at TCU, Hughes is a natural fit in the Colts' system.
[h6]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=norhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=norNew Orleans Saints[/h6]
Record: 14-2
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
An interior lineman isn't necessarily the top need for the Saints, but getting a potentially outstanding five-technique DT like Odrick is as safe a pick as you can get at this stage. Odrick can both occupy defenders or be disruptive, and he fits perfectly into the Saints' 4-3.
http://http://http://For more from Mel, check out his annual draft publications.
