2010 NFL Draft “Reality Check” (1st Round)

Unlike TV “talking heads”, we are not attempting to reinvent the wheel, or become modern day fortune tellers. We are here to expose the needs of each team, and explain how they will address them. Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and a good portion of the rest, change their picks as often as Congressmen change their votes. There is very little chance of having a young man on an up-tick one day, and in a downward spiral the next (save a horrible pro day or a brush with the law). With that being said, here is our one and only attempt, in what we have dubbed the 2010 NFL Draft “Reality Check.”

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With or first published work in 2009, we proceeded to go against the norm and take several unpopular stances. To start, we surmised that Detroit should have drafted OT Jason Smith (Baylor), due to the fact QB Stafford was not the best player on the board, let alone the best quarterback. Some may say this was proven wrong, but we will tell you that a city decimated by poverty spent 42 million guaranteed on a kid who had never proven anything. Second, we point blank said that OT Andre Smith would be a bust, and that the Bengals should have invested in OT Michael Oher. The on-field play, Pro-Bowls, work ethic, integrity and overall performance will speak for themselves as the year’s progress. For our entire 2009 NFL Draft 1st Round assertions, click on the following link: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-draft/mock-draft_041309.html. As for the present, open your mind, proceed at a steady pace and let us know what you think. Every opinion matters and every voice should be heard!

St Louis : Sam Bradford 6-4, 236lbs. ( Oklahoma)… With StL out of the QB McNabb sweepstakes, QB Bradford is the only option. Suh could fit, but the city will be craving a face to the franchise. The best QB in this draft is Bradford, and he will prove that for years to come. If they can pick up a couple receivers before the Draft concludes (signings, trades, or picks), you could see StL contend for the NFC West Title and possibly a shot at the Playoffs. No joke, we’re on the Rams train, and believe they will right the ship in the near future.

Detroit : Gerald McCoy 6-4, 299lbs ( Oklahoma)… With a prototypical NFL frame, this young man will be a great addition to a team looking to improve defensively. Expect a high motor, big smile and the desire to do what is best for the team. The league needs more guys like him, as we move further and further into the “Me, Me, Me” era.

Tampa Bay: Ndamukong Suh 6-4, 305lbs ( Nebraska)… The best player in the draft will fall, due more to other team’s likes and dislikes, than his ability. He harkens memories of the late, great Reggie White and can only aspire to have his longevity. Suh brings power, finesse, and is a run stopping force with a fierce pass rush. Rookie of the Year could be soon to follow.

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Washington : Eric Berry 6-0, 215lbs ( Tennessee)… After an inter-division trade with the Eagles (QB McNabb), the Redskins will look to solidify their secondary. Some may push for an OT, and they would be justified in their assertion, we just feel Berry is too good to pass up. Berry will make a seamless transition to the NFL and will become an All Pro in a couple years.

Kansas City : Russell Okung 6-5, 310lbs ( Oklahoma St)… This young man will immediately fill a need here, and should become one of the games best by 2012. This pick could be used to select a quarterback (Clausen), especially if Coach Weiss liked what he saw at the “Church” (Notre Dame). We’re not sold on Cassel, which doesn’t mean anything, but it could mean that footsteps are close behind this career back-up.

Seattle : Jimmy Clausen 6-3, 222lbs (Notre Dame)… The first of what should be three “Golden Domers” will go here. Seattle just signed Whitehurst, and many will be pushing for CJ Spiller, but the smart money will be put on Clausen. A proven college quarterback, who played in a pro-style offensive, should be tempting to Coach Carroll as he begins to plan for the future.

Cleveland : Rolando McClain 6-3, 255lbs ( Alabama)… The Browns are in dire need of help up the middle and this young man solves that problem. The combination of size and intelligence makes this pick not only “smart”, but necessary. The announcement of Crohn’s disease hasn’t scared McClain, it doesn’t scare us, and it shouldn’t scare the Browns.

Oakland : Taylor Mays 6-3, 233lbs (USC)… In typical Al Davis fashion, a wildcard will be pulled early in the 1st Round. His need for speed and flash will lead to the selection of Mays. Taylor Mays could be the next Eric Turner- a hard hitting play making safety or he could be another Patrick Bates (1st round pick by the Raiders in 1993). Mays’ critics are making too much of the combine. Mays will be more like the former than the latter and will be a force from day one.

Buffalo : Bryan Bulaga 6-5, 313lbs ( Iowa)… The Big Ten gets on the board, as OT Bryan Bulaga gets the call. This mountain of a man will secure the blindside of whomever the Bills throw back there for the next 12 years and should make several trips to Hawaii along the way. This pick will solidify the left side of the O-Line, and allows the Bills to address their needs at LB, DL, and a playmaker (WR, TE, KR).

Jacksonville : Joe Hayden 5-11, 195lbs ( Florida)... Gator Nation can rejoice. One down and one to go (QB Tebow). Jacksonville will not only look to improve their team, they will be looking to put “butts in the seats.” This is a great first step, and after Tebow is gobbled up, the season could be sold out. Hayden will become a shutdown Corner, and has the size to play the running game. Look for him to come out swinging and take a shot at Rookie of the Year!

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Denver : Dez Bryant 6-2, 222lbs ( Oklahoma St)… With the troubled wide out Brandon Marshall being shipped to Miami, the Broncos need a target for Orton or Quinn. Bryant may have some baggage, but he is an elite talent with game breaking ability. This is a no-brainer.

Miami : Earl Thomas 5-10, 210lbs ( Texas)… Toughness cannot be measured by ones height or weight. It is shown through heart and determination. This former Longhorn is full of both and has a tendency to unleash it on his opponents. This pick fits the team and should make an immediate impact.

San Francisco : Golden Tate 5-11, 192lbs (Notre Dame)… The next Hines Ward will help the troubled offense of the Niners. Head Coach Mike Singletary has a defense that is good enough to win now. Couple that a stud RB Frank Gore, elite TE Vernon Davis, WR Crabtree and Golden Tate, and the only thing they are missing is a QB.

Seattle : CJ Spiller 5-11, 196lbs (Clemson)… Instant Offense! Spiller will immediately pay dividends on Special Teams and should work his way into the starting lineup by Week 4. This pick solidifies the offensive side of the ball and allows the Seahawks to explore other options on day 2 and 3.

NY Giants: Bruce Campbell 6-6, 314lbs ( Maryland)… For the first time in a long while, the Giants are in need of offensive linemen. They will be pouring through their draft board to find the perfect fit for them, but there are only two choices at this point; Campbell or Williams. Either player will make sense here and the other will be gobbled up at #17 by San Francisco.

Tennessee : Brandon Spikes 6-3, 250lbs ( Florida)… LB Bullock will get to mold this young man the way he wants. LB Spikes brings confidence, passion and power to a defense that struggled last year to stop anyone. This may not be the “sexy” choice, but it is the correct one.

San Francisco : Trent Williams 6-5, 312lbs ( Oklahoma)… After the selection of Campbell at #15, the 49ers will take 2 minutes to hand in their selection. The addition of Williams will help Gore on his way to 1,400 yards rushing and should give QB Smith an extra second to find Crabtree, Tate (their #13 pick), and Davis, one of the best TE’s in the league.

Pittsburgh : Jason Pierre-Paul 6-5, 269lbs ( South Florida)… The “ Steel City” reloads with the 18th pick of the Draft. Pierre-Paul has vaulted to a mid 1st Round pick and stands on the precipice of a life long dream. Pittsburgh could go with an OT, or a WR (after trading WR Holmes), but Pierre-Paul is the puzzle piece missing for a run at the Championship in 2010.

Atlanta : Kyle Wilson 5-10, 195lbs ( Boise St)… Wilson will become a shutdown Corner quickly, plus he brings Special Teams ability to the table. He is a perfect fit on the turf in Hot-lanta. After dealing with several “problem children” on the corners, it will be a blessing to have a young man who is as good off the field as he is on.

Houston : Ryan Mathews 6-0, 218lbs ( Fresno St)… Tell me this pick doesn’t work. Mathews will become the short yardage back right out of the gate and will help to lighten the load for Slaton. This kid will surprise some people, but we will not be one of them. He has talent and durability, with a hint of speed. Texans fans will be more than happy when they see Mathews, Slaton, Johnson and Daniels perform.

Cincinnati : Jermaine Gresham 6-5, 261lbs ( Oklahoma)… After acquiring WR Bryant, this is the intelligent choice. They need to take advantage of the double teams on their WR’s by hitting the seam. Gresham will do that and more. He brings a great pair of hands, the ability to block and a nose for the end zone.

New England: Brandon Graham 6-1, 270lbs ( Michigan)… Is this not perfect? Coach Belichick will take a hardworking, intelligent (speaks 3 or 4 languages), strong, versatile player out Michigan to help fill the void left by the departure of Seymour and Vrabel last season. The AFC East better get ready to face the “Patriots” once again. On a side note, New England could do what they do best here and trade out of the position for a Second and a Fourth.

Green Bay : Toby Gerhart 6-0 235lbs (Stanford)… A match made in Heaven as echoes of the glory days are revisited with the punishing running style of Gerhart. In the Frozen Tundra, Gerhart will be a goal line force. The “Golden Boy” will return to Green Bay and lead them back to the Super Bowl.

Philadelphia : Derrick Morgan 6-3, 265lbs (Ga Tech)… With the entire country befuddled by the trade of QB McNabb to the “hated Redskins”, the Eagles go defense and select DE Morgan out of Ga Tech. Though not a flashy pick, it does fill a need and continues their mindset of putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. This could be a rough year for Phily, but do not put a fork in them just yet.

Baltimore : Carlos Dunlap 6-6, 274lbs ( Florida)… As the Ravens seem to do almost every Draft, they select the best defensive player on the board. In this case, it’s Carlos Dunlap. The AFC North will get a taste of Suggs on one side and Dunlap on the other, with Ngata and Gregg in-between. Add to that LB Lewis, S Reed and S Landry, and you have to think that this defense will be able to hold any opponent under 20.

Arizona : Mardy Gilyard 6-0, 189lbs (U of Cincinnati)… Let’s think… WR Bolden is gone, QB Warner retired, S Rolle was released, and QB Anderson will battle QB Leinart for the starting job. Sounds like they need an impact player. WR Gilyard fits the bill, as he can return punts and kickoffs, and will dominate as a #3.

Dallas : Sergio Kindle 6-3, 250lbs ( Texas)… The former Longhorn stays in the Lone Star state to play for Americas Team. Hell, his name even sounds like a Cowboy. If I’m a Dallas fan, I’m jacked about this selection. You already have a QB, RB’s, TE’s, and WR’s (but could take a couple as the Draft continues). With that being said, Defense will be at the top of the menu. The only chink in this assertion would be if one of the top 5 O-Linemen slid to them. Other than that, Defense will rain supreme in the “Big D.”

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San Diego : Jahvid Best 5-10, 200lbs (Cal Berkeley)… The Bolts need a play maker in the backfield. Sproles is a talented back but isn’t the total package. Best will rack up yardage in the explosive Charger offense and should put San Diego back in the Super Bowl conversation.

NY Jets: Jared Odrick 6-5, 305lbs (Penn St)… We would be remiss if we did not get this young man into the 1st Round, so here you go. He showed flashes at Penn St and should prove to be a solid Pro. Of course, all this goes out the window if the Jets sign DE Taylor.

Minnesota : Eric Olsen 6-4, 303lbs (Notre Dame)… In true Nordic fashion, Minnesota will select Eric Olsen with their first pick. We gave heavy consideration to QB McCoy here and think that he would be a wonderful backup for Favre, and a bright future for Minnesota. With all this to mull over, C Olsen is still the right call. This kid is not only the best Center on the board; he has an aggressive nature and likes to take it to his opponent. That will mesh very well with the run/throw combo the Vikings utilize.

Indianapolis : Sean Weatherspoon 6-1, 240lbs ( Missouri)… With the middle of the field being their weak link, the Colts solve the problem with Weatherspoon. If you have had the opportunity to watch this kid live or on tape, you know where we are coming from. His size and speed will allow him to rush the quarterback, play the run and cover receivers. That makes him a 3 down player, which is difficult to find fresh out of college.

New Orleans : Terrence Cody 6-4, 356lbs ( Alabama)… Mount Cody, as he has affectionately been dubbed, will clog the middle and force others to move him out of the running lanes. This could prove difficult, as Cody is 6-4, 356lbs!!! Gilbert Brown had success in this league because of the same thing. He was so big that no one could move him an inch. If this pick comes to pass, the Saints Defense will not only improve, it will thrive! Congratulations to the Saints and their fans for their Super Bowl Championship, and we wish you and the city continued success.

By: Scott Dryden & Todd Patrick Coleman
ProFootball-fans.com Guest Writers