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1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford Quarterback Oklahoma
Analysis: The Rams have spent the last couple of drafts passing on a quarterback. Now, in 2010, with the number one pick, they finally got their guy. With unquestioned accuracy and excellent football intelligence, he was the logical choice for the first pick. Many had Jimmy Clausen rated ahead of Bradford, but after Clausen’s free fall, it is clear that NFL teams did not have him on the same level. Rumors of the Cleveland Browns attempting to trade up for Bradford swirled in the days before the draft, showing how highly the Oklahoma quarterback is thought of in NFL circles. Even with the Browns reportedly offering most of their picks in 2010 and some 2011 picks, the Rams stayed pat and selected Bradford.
Grade: A
2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh Defensive Tackle Nebraska
Analysis: In 2009, the Lions started fourth round draft pick Sammie Lee Hill and 36-year-old Grady Jackson at defensive tackle. Even after acquiring Corey Williams from the Browns, Detroit was still in the market for an interior lineman. With Suh as the consensus best player in the draft, this pick was an obvious one. After a dominating 2009 season at Nebraska, Suh entered the offseason as the likely number one pick. However, the Rams decided to select a quarterback and Suh fell into the Lions’ lap. The former Cornhusker offers versatility along the defensive front, with the ability to line up at virtually any position on the line. A defensive tackle who can both penetrate and stand stout against the run, Suh immediately improves Detroit’s defense.
Grade: A+
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy Defensive Tackle Oklahoma
Analysis: After having one of the NFL’s worst run defenses in 2009, it was obvious that the Buccaneers needed to add interior linemen. Along with having a poor run defense, the Buccaneers also lacked much of a pass rush. There are some who are of the opinion that McCoy was the best pass rushing defensive tackle in the draft and in fact, McCoy would have most likely been the first defensive tackle off the board in any other draft over the past ten years. An excellent penetrator and pass rusher, McCoy can take dominate any game and may be a better fit for Tampa Bay’s system than even Ndamukong Suh. McCoy isn’t as strong against the run as Suh, but he’s still an excellent playmaker along the defensive line.
Grade: A
4. Washington Redskins – Trent Williams Offensive Tackle Oklahoma
Analysis: It was blatantly obvious to anyone who watched the Redskins in 2009 that they were in desperate need of help along the offensive line. Not only did Washington lack an elite offensive lineman, they really didn’t even have any good ones. While many had Russell Okung rated higher than Williams, the former Sooner is a better fit for the Redskins’ zone blocking scheme. Some may criticize the Redskins for not taking Okung, but in reality, they couldn’t go wrong with either player; both are very good offensive line prospects who will make an immediate impact. Williams saw his stock drop some during the season while he played through injuries and struggled to adjust at left tackle. However, he rebounded after several great workouts and would not have dropped much past Washington. The Redskins have, at worst, a very good right tackle.
Grade: B+
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry Safety Tennessee
Analysis: In drafting Berry the Chiefs not only added arguably the second best player in the draft, but addressed one of their biggest needs. Other than Brandon Flowers, Kansas City had virtually nothing in the secondary. The addition of Berry brings a playmaker to the secondary, one who can excel in both man and zone coverage. While not a force against the run, Berry is aggressive and is willing to get physical. Romeo Crennel could use Berry at either safety or cornerback, and he will likely be moved around the defensive backfield. Prior to the draft, many expected Kansas City to add an offensive tackle with the fifth pick. However, even with Russell Okung on the board, the Chiefs elected to address the bigger need and take the better player, despite the fact that safety is not considered as valuable of a position as offensive tackle.
Grade: A
6. Seattle Seahawks – Russell Okung Offensive Tackle Oklahoma State
Analysis: With Walter Jones often injured and possibly looking to retire, it was obvious that the Seahawks needed to add an offensive tackle. After trading Rob Sims, the offensive line became the team’s biggest need. Okung entered the draft as most analysts’ top rated tackle. Widely considered a safe pick, Okung has no glaring weaknesses; he’s a great athlete, has excellent footwork and can get to the second level in the run game. Although he will likely step in at left tackle immediately, Okung could also play either guard or right tackle. By selecting him, the Seahawks not only filled their biggest need, they also added the best player remaining on the board.
Grade: A
7. Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden Cornerback Florida
Analysis: With Eric Berry off the board, there was no obvious pick for Cleveland at seven. Trading back was the obvious move, but that is easier said than done. Cornerback remained a priority for the Browns even after acquiring Sheldon Brown from the Eagles, and Haden was at the top of Cleveland’s board. The only cornerback in Florida history to start as a freshman, Haden has a very impressive résumé and looks to project as a shutdown cornerback. Though he may not be an immediate starter, he will at the very least contribute in nickel situations. In 2009, cornerback was arguably the team’s weakest position. Now, with Eric Wright, Sheldon Brown, and Haden in tow, the team looks to have one of the league’s stronger units. Wright and Haden could eventually be the most dangerous cornerback duo in the NFL.
Grade: B+
8. Oakland Raiders – Rolando McClain Inside Linebacker Alabama
Analysis: Despite rumors of this pick prior to the draft, most were surprised when the Raiders selected McClain with the eighth pick. First and foremost, it seemed like too good of a pick for the Raiders to make. McClain is known for his top notch instincts on the field and his exceptional leadership. However, he possesses only average athleticism, which makes him an odd fit for Oakland. McClain should start from game one and make an immediate contribution. While he may never be a truly elite player, he should be solid. With Kirk Morrison falling out of favor with the Raiders, the pick makes sense from a needs standpoint. It could, however, be argued that Oakland had a much greater need at offensive tackle, and with Anthony Davis on the board, it is difficult to justify not addressing the position.
Grade: B-
9. Buffalo Bills – C.J. Spiller Running Back Clemson
Analysis: There is no denying that Spiller offers the Bills an electrifying playmaker in the backfield. An excellent return man and receiver, he will contribute in many aspects of the game. In an offense lacking excitement, Spiller will certainly provide some. However, running back was far from the biggest area of concern for the Bills. With Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson on the roster, it doesn’t appear that the position should have been a priority. They desperately need help along the offensive line, yet they passed on both Bryan Bulaga and Anthony Davis. Without more help on the line, Spiller will struggle to be the player that he can, and should become. It is hard to argue with selecting a talent like Spiller, but with huge holes along the line, it seems that the Bills could have done better.
Grade: C+
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyson Alualu Defensive Tackle California
Analysis: At pick 10, the Jaguars made the first head-scratching move of the draft. Among even the most optimistic of projections, Alualu was seen as a late first-round draft pick; most had him in the early or middle part of the second round. Alualu definitely has potential and he is a versatile player along the defensive line, but he simply wasn’t a good value in the top 10. Alualu has the size and style of a penetrator, but he lacks elite ability. With such a high pick, every team looks for a star player, and Alualu will probably only be solid. Furthermore, defensive tackle didn’t even appear to be Jacksonville’s biggest need. With John Henderson and Terrence Knighton, defensive tackle was a solid position for the Jaguars. A pass rusher such as Derrick Morgan or Brandon Graham would have made more sense.
Grade: D+
11. San Francisco 49ers (traded Broncos) – Anthony Davis Offensive Tackle Rutgers
Analysis: In 2009, the offensive line and quarterback play were the only two aspects that held back the 49ers. Alex Smith showed signs of improvement at quarterback, but the offensive line needed to be addressed. Davis was arguably the best offensive tackle on tape, but questions about his work ethic and a poor offseason lead to him dropping out of the top 10. An extremely talented lineman, Davis could play either tackle immediately, or even guard. Only 20 years old, Davis is still raw, but he has the ability to be an elite left tackle for many years. The only question with this pick is if the 49ers really needed to trade up two slots in order to select Davis. By addressing the offensive line, Mike Singletary will be able to run the physical offense that he prefers.
Grade: A-
12. San Diego Chargers (traded Dolphins) – Ryan Mathews Running Back Fresno State
Analysis: Even before releasing LaDainian Tomlinson, running back was a huge position of need for the Chargers. After letting go of LT, with only Darren Sproles, the position became outright desperate. Mathews may be considered a reach by some, but he has the talent to be a very good player. However, durability has been an issue and 2009 was his only big season. Mathews is a physical back with excellent athleticism and size. His vision, balance and cutback ability made him a hot commodity among NFL teams. There is no doubt that Mathews would not have fallen to the Chargers at 28, but the may not have needed to trade up as far as they did. The perfect complement to Darren Sproles, Mathews should help give the Chargers a good run game to go along with their lethal passing attack.
Grade: B
13. Philadelphia Eagles (traded Broncos) – Brandon Graham Defensive End Michigan
Analysis: Even after trading with the Seattle Seahawks for Darryl Tapp, the Eagles felt they needed to address the defensive end position. Brandon Graham entered the draft competing to be the first pass rusher taken. Despite not being very tall or having long arms, Graham was extremely productive at Michigan. As well as being an excellent pass rusher, Graham is very strong against the run. Even in jumping up more than 20 spots, the Eagles managed to hold on to two both of their second-round draft picks. Many thought that Philadelphia was trading up to acquire Earl Thomas, but they instead elected to bolster the defensive front. With Graham now opposite of Trent Cole, the Eagles should have one of the best, and most complete defensive end tandems in the NFL.
Grade: A-
14. Seattle Seahawks – Earl Thomas Safety Texas
Analysis: With the exception of Marcus Trufant, the Seahawks have virtually no one in the secondary. Thomas is an extremely talented playmaker who can play either cornerback or safety. Only a red-shirt sophomore, Thomas lacks experience but could potentially be a steal at 14. After setting a University of Texas record with eight interceptions in 2009, Thomas has seen his stock fluctuate around the first round almost constantly. With holes at both cornerback and safety, the Seahawks could move Thomas around as needed. The pick definitely filled a huge need for Seattle, and Thomas was a good value in the middle of the first round. However, defensive end may have been a bigger need for the Seahawks, and with Derrick Morgan and Jason Pierre-Paul still on the board, it had to be tough to take Thomas.
Grade: A-
15. New York Giants – Jason Pierre-Paul Defensive End South Florida
Analysis: Mathias Kiwanuka is a free agent after the 2010 season and with an unhappy and struggling Osi Umenyiora, adding an end makes sense for the Giants. Pierre-Paul is an athletic freak with virtually unlimited potential as a pass rusher. However, he is still very raw, and with only one year as a Division I player, he is a very risky pick. With the Giants’ typically aggressive defensive scheme, Pierre-Paul should excel rushing the passer off the edge. It is likely that he will only play in passing situations in 2010, but with the many pass rushers the Giants already possess, he should excel in his role. Sean Weatherspoon or Derrick Morgan would have been a safer pick, but it is hard to blame the Giants for taking a player with such tremendous upside.
Grade: A-
16. Tennessee Titans – Derrick Morgan Defensive End Georgia Tech
Analysis: With a big hole at defensive end, Morgan is a perfect fit for the Titans. After losing Kyle Vanden Bosch to the Lions in free agency, it became obvious that Tennessee needed to make a move at the position. Morgan will most likely never be an elite pass rusher, but he will be solid in every aspect of the game. In fact, at worst he may end up being a similar player to Vanden Bosch. With no real weaknesses Morgan should be able to immediately step in and contribute for the Titans. With no other glaring holes, the selection of Morgan was an obvious one. Morgan should be a strong, but unspectacular presence in the Tennessee defense for years to come.
Grade: A-
17. San Francisco 49ers – Mike Iupati Guard Idaho
Analysis: Even after adding Anthony Davis with the 11th pick, San Francisco wanted to further improve its offensive line. Iupati is a huge, physical guard who began to climb draft boards shortly before the Senior Bowl. While still raw as a technician, and a somewhat risky player, Iupati has the potential to be a dominating presence along the interior line. Sometimes compared to Steve Hutchinson, Iupati is a good value at 17 despite being a guard. While some feel Iupati can play tackle, his best fit is in the interior of the line, which is where he will play in San Francisco. With no good values at positions of need for the 49ers, the pick made sense. The 49ers should see a much improved run game in 2010 with the additions of Davis and Iupati.
Grade: A
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Maurkice Pouncey Center Florida
Analysis: After neglecting the offensive line in the first round for years, the Steelers finally addressed the team’s most glaring issue. With Ben Roethlisberger typically taking a long time to get rid of the ball, a strong line is even more important. Pouncey was a dominating center at Florida and displayed the versatility to play any of the interior line positions. He will likely start out at guard in Pittsburgh before eventually moving over to center. This strategy would lessen the learning curve that Pouncey will face, and benefit the line as a whole. While 18 is a bit early for an interior lineman, Pouncey appears to be worthy of the selection. Pittsburgh had recently faced criticism for going away from their typical physical style of play. The selection of Pouncey may be a sign that the Steelers of old are back.
Grade: B+
19. Atlanta Falcons – Sean Weatherspoon Outside Linebacker Missouri
Analysis: After losing Michael Boley to the Giants in free agency a year ago, the Falcons were in need of a linebacker. Weatherspoon is a great athlete with tremendous speed. Well known for his vocal leadership, Weatherspoon offers a presence that the defense in Atlanta lacks. Weatherspoon and former second round draft pick Curtis Lofton will make a lethal duo at linebacker. Due to his tremendous burst and athleticism, there were many who felt that Weatherspoon actually had higher upside than Rolando McClain, who went more than ten picks earlier. A versatile player who can play any of the three linebacker positions, Weatherspoon not only filled a big need for the Falcons, but was also a very good value at 19.
Grade: A
20. Houston Texans – Kareem Jackson Cornerback Alabama
Analysis: Before the offseason even began, cornerback was considered a weakness for Houston. With Dunta Robinson signing with the Falcons in free agency, cornerback became a huge need for the Texans. With no great starter at the position, it seemed obvious that the Texans would look to add a corner early. While not a flashy player like Robinson, Jackson is a physical cornerback who excels in press coverage. Capable of playing in any coverage scheme, Jackson is a very versatile cornerback. However, with Kyle Wilson still on the board, the pick seems a bit unusual, though not necessarily bad. Though he is not a flashy player, Jackson is solid in virtually every aspect of the game and should be a good fit in Atlanta.
Grade: B+
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham Tight End Oklahoma
Analysis: If not for missing the entire 2009 season due to injury, there is very little chance that Gresham would have made it into the latter half of the first round. A very talented and physical receiver, Gresham addresses one of the Bengals’ biggest needs. With Carson Palmer struggling some, it is logical that the Bengals would add a big target for him to rely on. Though he is not a great blocker, he isn’t awful and gives solid effort. It seems likely that Gresham will come in and start immediately for Cincinnati given his natural talent, and the team’s hole at the position. With the addition of Gresham, Cincinnati has virtually no holes on the offensive side of the ball. If he is able to remain healthy, Gresham should be an excellent player for many years.
Grade: A+
22. Denver Broncos (traded Patriots) – Demaryius Thomas Wide Receiver Georgia Tech
Analysis: The Broncos certainly needed to address the wide receiver position, but with Dez Bryant still on the board, the selection of Thomas raised eyebrows. Bryant is more or less a consensus top 10 talent, while Thomas was considered a borderline first rounder. Thomas has all the physical tools desired in a wide out, and at 6’4” 224, he is a very physical player. Though his quickness has been questioned, he can split the seam and make plays down the field. However, his route running skills are suspect and he wasn’t asked to do much at Georgia Tech while playing in a triple option offense. The selection is only questionable due to Dez Bryant still being available. It appears that the Broncos preferred Thomas’ on field risk as opposed to Dez Bryant’s off-field concerns.
Grade: C+
23. Green Bay Packers – Bryan Bulaga Offensive Tackle Iowa
Analysis: Bulaga falling to the 23rd spot was probably the dream scenario in Green Bay. A very athletic tackle widely considered a top-10 player, Bulaga is the perfect fit for the zone blocking scheme that the Packers employ. Aaron Rodgers’ success in 2009 was incredible considering the constant pressure that he faced. An improved offensive line will only make the passing attack in Green Bay more lethal. Many expected the Packers to address the defensive side of the ball with their first pick, and they likely would have if not for the freefall of Bulaga. Selecting Bulaga was likely the easiest decision the Packers have made in some time, as he not only addresses the team’s biggest need, but was also being the best player available.
Grade: A+
24. Dallas Cowboys – Dez Bryant Wide Receiver Oklahoma State
Analysis: Prior to the draft, there was much talk of Dallas possibly trading up to acquire Dez Bryant. It turned out that they didn’t have to move up as far as most expected. Bryant is widely considered a top talent in the draft and only dropped due to character concerns. While most seem to view these concerns as a lack of maturity, it seemed to be a big enough issue for him to drop into the latter part of the first round. An immensely talented receiver, many feel Bryant is a better prospect than Michael Crabtree was a year ago. He catches nearly everything in sight and is a very physical player who can go up for balls that aren’t thrown accurately. The only on field question mark is his route running. While wide receiver isn’t a huge need for the Cowboys, Bryant can help make their already dangerous offense that much more deadly.
Grade: A+
25. Denver Broncos (traded Ravens) – Tim Tebow Quarterback Florida
Analysis: Though Tebow was expected to go off the board by the end of the first round, the pick is still somewhat of a reach. Tebow is incredibly raw as a passer, and the odds of him becoming a productive starting quarterback within the next two years are extremely low. The former Heisman Trophy winner played in a system that is incredibly different than anything in the NFL. It seems likely that Josh McDaniels and the Broncos will utilize him in a Wildcat type role, but his contribution will most likely be limited. Tebow was a luxury pick for a team that had other needs that needed to be addressed and although he may end up being a great player, this pick still won’t make sense.
Grade: C
26. Arizona Cardinals – Dan Williams Defensive Tackle Tennessee
Analysis: Adding a nose tackle was possibly the Cardinals’ number one priority entering the offseason. They were fortunate that Dan Williams fell into their lap. Williams is a big, 330-pound lineman who can clog up the middle of the line. While he lacks great pass rushing ability, he is a force against the run, which is exactly what Arizona needed. With Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett forming one of the NFL’s best 3-4 defensive end combinations, the Cardinals look to have a great defensive line in the making. Williams may not start immediately in Arizona, but at worst he will rotate along the defensive front.
Grade: A+
27. New England Patriots (traded Cowboys) – Devin McCourty Cornerback Rutgers
Analysis: After resigning Leigh Bodden and drafting Darius Butler in the second round last year, this pick seems a bit unusual at first. However, with the passing game having an increasingly large impact on the NFL, a good defense truly needs three cornerbacks. McCourty may not contribute much on defense in 2010, but he will likely see action on special teams, in both the return and kickoff game. At best he will see action as a nickel back, but will likely start in 2011. An exciting player with excellent athleticism, he should see his skills well utilized by Bill Belichick and the New England defensive staff. McCourty is a good value in the late 20’s, but New England had bigger needs and with both Jared Odrick and Sergio Kindle still available, the pick was surprising.
Grade: B-
28. Miami Dolphins (traded Chargers) – Jared Odrick Defensive End Penn State
Analysis: Though Odrick is a great value at 28, the Dolphins had bigger holes to fill than defensive end. With Kendall Langford, Randy Starks and Phillip Merling already at the position, the pick was surprising. Odrick has been talked about as a potential 3-4 end, which is where the Dolphins will likely utilize him. Most expected Odrick to be gone after the Patriots, Ravens and Cowboys picked, but all three teams passed on him. It is unlikely that Odrick will start in 2010, but he will likely see time in the Dolphins’ defensive line rotation. Odrick doesn’t seem to make sense to the Dolphins with their already stellar depth along the defensive line; a pass rusher like Jerry Hughes may have been a more logical selection.
Grade: C+
29. New York Jets – Kyle Wilson Cornerback Boise State
Analysis: With no glaring needs, it made sense that the Jets would go for the best value at 29. Wilson was widely expected to be one of the first two cornerbacks off the board. The fact that he was around at 29 is somewhat shocking. With Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie already at cornerback, Wilson will see time as the nickel back in 2010. The acquisition of Wilson likely gives the Jets the best set of cornerbacks in the NFL. Jerry Hughes or Sergio Kindle would have made more sense looking at the team’s needs, but it is hard to argue with the value New York got in Wilson.
Grade: B+
30. Detroit Lions (traded Vikings) – Jahvid Best Running Back California
Analysis: With little talent at the running back position, the selection of Best makes sense for the Lions. Best has the ability to break a long run on any given play, but he likely isn’t an every-down back. Best will likely start immediately, but he will split carries with Kevin Smith. A dangerous receiver, Best has the speed and elusiveness to be a true weapon on offense. The Lions appear to be sticking to the strategy of surrounding Matthew Stafford with as many weapons as possible, while largely neglecting the offensive line. While Best was a good value at 30, many wondered if the Lions needed to trade up to secure his selection.
Grade: B
31. Indianapolis Colts – Jerry Hughes Defensive End TCU
Analysis: While adding a pass rusher wasn’t exactly an area of concern for the Colts, Jerry Hughes is a perfect schematic fit. An undersized defensive end with great pass rushing ability, Hughes fits the profile of what the Colts look for in their ends. Hughes doesn’t have top notch athleticism, but possesses great pass rush moves and a tendency to get after quarterbacks. Hughes certainly won’t start in 2010, but will likely see action on passing downs. With Robert Mathis’ contract expiring after the 2011 season, Hughes offers them the ability to let Mathis walk without missing a beat defensively. Adding an offensive lineman would have been ideal here, but Hughes was too good of value for the Colts to pass on. However, Rodger Saffold or Charles Brown may have been the better pick.
Grade: B+
32. New Orleans Saints – Patrick Robinson Cornerback Florida State
Analysis: Even after acquiring several cornerbacks last offseason, the Saints still aren’t happy with the position. This could also be a sign that they are looking to move last year’s first round pick, Malcolm Jenkins, to safety. Patrick Robinson is a risky pick with his tendency to get beat badly in coverage. However, he does offer playmaking ability and excitement to New Orleans’ secondary. With Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, Malcolm Jenkins and Randall Gay already at cornerback for the Saints, the position has incredible depth. Robinson was probably a bit of a reach at the end of the first round, but he likely wouldn’t have made it past the Vikings at the top of the second. A player such as Daryl Washington or Sergio Kindle would have been a better value and addressed a greater need.
Grade: C+
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