2010 NFL Mock Draft

In 2007 and 2008, Shawn competed in The Huddle Report's mock draft competition for the NFL Draft. This is a yearly national draft competition whose contestants include every major NFL and college football analyst in the nation. Out of 95 participants Shawn finished in the top 10% of contestants in the competition both years. In both 2008 and 2009, Shawn's final mock draft was more accurate than ESPN's Mel Kiper's by more than two player-to-team selections. Shawn's mock draft has also been more accurate than ESPN's Todd McShay's each of the last two years. 

Updated: January 6th, 2010

1 St. Louis Ndamukong Suh Defensive Tackle Nebraska
With the official draft order finalized, the St. Louis Rams are currently on the clock with the first pick in the draft. The Rams have a glaring hole at quarterback, however with no elite quarterback in this year's draft, as well as one of the most dominant defensive players in years staring them right in the face, this should be an easy decision for St. Louis. Despite drafting defensive linemen in two of the last three years (Adam Carriker and Chris Long), it'd be incredibly hard for the Rams to pass on Suh here. This situation reminds me of the Detroit Lions. They drafted wide receiver after wide receiver and finally a can't-miss prospect in Calvin Johnson was there for the taking and they drafted him. If the Rams take anyone other than Suh it'd be a shock; he has to be the pick.
2 Detroit Gerald McCoy Defensive Tackle Oklahoma
The Detroit Lions held the first pick in the draft in 2009; does holding the second pick in 2010 count as progress being made? That remains to be seen. However, the Lions do have a core of young, talented players that they plan on building around to develop a team that can climb out of the enormous hole that Matt Millen dug them into. In 2009 the Lions finished ninth-worst in run defense, averaging 126.6 yards-allowed per game. They also were only able to generate 26 sacks on the year, good for fourth-worst in the league. With two of the top defensive tackle prospects in the past decade entering the 2010 Draft, the Lions are in position to draft the type of playmaker on the defensive side of the ball that they've lacked for quite awhile. Gerald McCoy is an explosive player who penetrates the pocket and wreaks havoc in the backfield on a consistent basis. With needs on the offensive line as well as in the secondary, Russell Okung, Eric Berry, and Joe Haden could all be considered here as well.
3 Tampa Bay Eric Berry Safety Tennessee
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers landed the perfect pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. With the third pick, they are guaranteed one of Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, or Eric Berry. For a team that owned one of the worst defenses in the NFL, this is outstanding news. They could use Suh or McCoy, as they finished the year with the worst run defense in the league. However, with both of them off the board, their next best bet is to draft one of the most instinctive defensive players in the last decade. Eric Berry has the makings of being the next Troy Polamalu or Ed Reed; a safety who is capable of taking over a game and forcing offenses to game plan around him. Berry finished the 2009 season with 83 tackles. With the Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris being a former defensive backs coach, Berry would be put in the right position to have success at the next level. With any of the top three players, Tampa Bay can't go wrong. The only other players that I could see them considering are Dez Bryant and Derrick Morgan to add an elite receiver or pass rusher.
4 Washington Russell Okung Offensive Tackle Oklahoma State
While quarterback is of importance and is a need for the Washington Redskins, there may not be a team in the league who has a worse situation on the offensive line than the Redskins do. On the year, Washington was tied for the fourth-most sacks allowed with 46, and they were also fourth-worst in yards-per-attempt in the run game with 3.9-yards per carry. The Redskins need to find a future replacement for left tackle Chris Samuels, whose career appears to have come to an end. With the fourth pick in the draft, Washington is in position to land one of the top offensive linemen in the draft. There isn't quite an elite option in the draft, however, Russell Okung from Oklahoma State offers them the most talented player with the highest ceiling. Anthony Davis from Rutgers could become another option. At quarterback, Washington plans on retaining current starter Jason Campbell. If the Redskins decided to reach, Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen would become their top options.
5 Kansas City Anthony Davis Offensive Tackle Rutgers
The Kansas City Chiefs are an interesting team. They handed out a very large contract to an unproven quarterback who they gave up a second round pick for and then they used their first two picks of the 2009 draft on defensive linemen for their 3-4 defense, with both players being reaches. The Chiefs offensive line is a mess. Former first round pick Branden Albert has struggled at times this year and the rest of the line isn't showing many signs of promise. Kansas City finished the year having allowed 45 sacks, good for sixth-worst in the league. When the Chiefs were at their best, they had one of the best offensive lines in football and could pound the rock as well as anyone. Drafting Davis and moving Albert inside to guard would be a great way to being rebuilding their offensive line. The Chiefs could use Eric Berry as bad as any team in the league, but the chances of him slipping to the fifth pick aren't too high.
6 Seattle Bryan Bulaga Offensive Tackle Iowa
In the past two years, the Seattle Seahawks offensive line has been troubled by injury, specifically at left tackle where Walter Jones' age is catching up with him. After undergoing multiple knee surgeries, it appears likely that Jones' career is coming to an end within the next year or two. Seattle allowed 41 sacks this season and ranks seventh-worst in the NFL in rushing yards per game with just 97.9 yards per game. With the sixth pick in the draft, the Seahawks are in position to draft one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. Bryan Bulaga is an elite offensive tackle prospect who was one of the major reasons why the Iowa Hawkeyes had so much success this season. He'd be an excellent fit to immediately move into the left tackle spot in Seattle and play there for the next 5-10 years. With two first round picks in 2010, Seattle could look at tackle, quarterback, and/or running back with their two picks.
7 Cleveland Joe Haden Cornerback Florida
The Cleveland Browns may have done more disservice to themselves than they did to help themselves when they won four straight-games to end the 2009 season. After looking like they'd hold a Top 3 pick for the majority of the season, the Browns now are picking seventh-overall. Thanks to a loaded 2010 draft class, they should be okay. The Browns have needs on offense, where they lack a playmaker; they also lack an elite pass rusher and have large holes in their secondary. Their needs also include quarterback, where they have to decide if Brady Quinn is their quarterback of the future. As for where they will go with the seventh pick, the most likely options are Oklahoma State wide reciever Dez Bryant to replace Braylon Edwards, Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan to add that elite pass rusher, or Joe Haden, the top cornerback in the draft, to pair him with Eric Wright to form a solidified cornerback duo. Haden would give the Browns a top option in the secondary who has the potential to develop into a shutdown corner.
8 Oakland Bruce Campbell Offensive Tackle Maryland
The Oakland Raiders own a top-ten first round pick for the eighth-straight year. They need to upgrade their run defense, their offensive line, and their former quarterback of the future may have developed into being one of the biggest busts in NFL history. With a need on the offensive line, it'd make sense that Oakland would look at a player who has been said to be the "Vernon Davis of the offensive line." Bruce Campbell is a freak athletically and has the tools to follow former Maryland teammate Jared Gaither into becoming a franchise left tackle at the next level. Adding Campbell would give them the blind side protector that they were hoping for when they drafted Robert Gallery back in 2004. Other options for Oakland could include Carlos Dunlap, Taylor Mays, Terrence Cody, and Sam Bradford.
9 Buffalo
 Trent Williams Offensive Tackle Oklahoma
The Buffalo Bills finished the 2009 season tied for fourth-worst in the league in sacks allowed with 46. Since they traded away their franchise left tackle Jason Peters, they've had nothing but problems trying to protect the quarterback. The Bills have a combination of young players in Eric Wood, Andy Levitre, and Demetrius Bell to build around, however Wood and Levitre are interior linemen and Bell isn't the type of franchise left tackle that Buffalo could land in this year's draft. Oklahoma's Trent Williams is one of the top offensive linemen in a stacked draft class for linemen. Williams would provide the Bills with immediate help at left tackle where they need help more than ever. Adding a defensive tackle to upgrade their league-worst run defense or a quarterback of the future to build around are also options. The Bills have a lot of holes and must make a good pick, or the future could take a turn for the worse. Bringing in Williams would be the type of move that would help the team's future significantly. At quarterback, Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford are two options.
10 Jacksonville Dez Bryant Wide Receiver Oklahoma State

The Jacksonville Jaguars enter the 2010 offseason with several needs. They could stand to address their pass rush, where both Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves have not panned out. They could also stand to upgrade their secondary. However, one clear area of need is in their receiving core where they were tied for fifth-worst in the league with just 15 receiving touchdowns. While part of this has to do with Maurice Jones-Drew and their run-oriented offense, it also has to do with the fact that they have no elite options at wide receiver. Mike Sims-Walker played well this season, however he only caught 63 passes for 869 yards and seven touchdowns, not quite No. 1 receiver numbers. Opposite Sims-Walker is Torry Holt who is 33 years-old and had the worst season of his career from a production standpoint. Mike Thomas has shown promise, however he is more of a slot receiver than a No. 1 or No. 2. Adding an elite down field threat in the mold of Dez Bryant, who could add some much-needed balance to their offense would make their offense dangerous. Some will say that Jacksonville should draft Tim Tebow, however with the tenth pick in the draft, I don't see it happening. The second round appears more likely, in my eyes.
11 Denver (from Chicago) Derrick Morgan Defensive End Georgia Tech

At the quarterback position in Denver, it remains to be seen if Kyle Orton has what it takes to be the Broncos quarterback of the future. With that said, it makes the most sense for Denver to go with the best defensive player on the board when they pick in April. Outside of Elvis Dumervil's 17 sacks, Denver lacks a pass rusher to team with him. Adding another elite pass rusher would be a very good move to help this defense continue its rise into becoming one of the top in the league. Derrick Morgan is an elite option on the defensive side of the ball this year. With 18 tackles-for-loss and 12.5 sacks, Morgan is one of the hottest prospects eligible for the 2010 Draft. Morgan has the combination of size (6-4, 270 lbs) and athleticism to play outside rush linebacker in their 3-4 defense as well. Morgan would be a great fit in Denver's defense. I could also see Denver take a look at Terrence Cody to play nose tackle in the 3-4.
12 Miami Terrence Cody Defensive Tackle Alabama
The Dolphins have two larger needs as they head towards the 2010 offseason. With no elite option at wide receiver, Dez Bryant would be a great fit in Miami if he were on the board when they pick. On defense, 35 year-old nose tackle Jason Ferguson's career with the Dolphins could be coming to an end. With a need at nose tackle, the team is in perfect position to draft his replacement in Alabama's Terrence Cody. At 360-370 lbs, Cody's best fit in the NFL is going to be as a nose tackle in the 3-4, exactly what the Dolphins run. With Joey Porter and Jason Taylor both staring the ends of their respective careers in the face, I could also see the Dolphins look at Sergio Kindle to play rush linebacker in their 3-4 defense.
13 San Francisco Sam Bradford Quarterback Oklahoma

With two first round picks in April, the 49ers are in position to take a look at adding a potential quarterback of the future as well as make a significant upgrade on their offensive line. With no elite option in the 2010 draft, San Francisco may be in the perfect position to land one of the top quarterback prospects. Sam Bradford, while overrated by some, has some of the tools that scouts look for in a starting quarterback in the NFL. Whether or not the 49ers want to hand the keys to former first-overall pick Alex Smith remains to be seen, however if they have the chance to draft Bradford, I think that they would take advantage of it.
14 Seattle C.J. Spiller Running Back Clemson

The Seattle Seahawks are in the process of adding a new general manager and possibly a new head coach. With a list of needs heading into the 2010 offseason, Seattle will be sure to use their two first round picks to the fullest. They added Bryan Bulaga already in this mock draft, now it'd make sense to continue to upgrade one of the worst rushing units in the league. At running back, the Seahawks have stayed far too committed to Julius Jones and his 3.7-yards per carry. Towards the end of the year Seattle gave Justin Forsett a chance at the starting job and he impressed, earning 5.4-yards per attempt by the end of the year. For Seattle to be the most successful, adding one of the most explosive players in the country in C.J. Spiller would add a new dimension to their offense. Adding Spiller and using Forsett as a third-down or change-of-pace back would return this team to being one of the better offenses in the NFL. Taking a look at quarterback to eventually replace Matt Hasselbeck is something they could also consider, however, I think that Jake Locker would be a great fit with them in 2011.
15 New York Giants Sergio Kindle Linebacker Texas

In 2009, the New York Giants upgraded one of their outside linebacker spots by signing free agent Michael Boley. This offseason, I'd expect to see them upgrade their other outside linebacker spot where Danny Clark has been average as a starter. With such a high pick this year, the Giants are in position to bring in the top defensive player they can find. Sergio Kindle is an explosive and talented player who has experience as both a defensive end and as a linebacker. However, in the NFL, his most likely position will come as an outside linebacker, whether it's in the 3-4 or 4-3. Bringing in another young, athletic player to add to their front seven would really benefit the Giants defense. If they decide that they need to find an eventual replacement for Antonio Pierce, then Rolando McClain would also be a great fit.
16 Tennessee Rolando McClain Linebacker Alabama

The Tennessee Titans are another team who are in position to draft the top defensive player that is available when they pick. At linebacker, Keith Bulluck will be 33 when the 2010 season starts and the team has already drafted his eventual replacement in Gerald McRath. The Titans also have Stephen Tulloch, who led the team in tackles, and David Thornton, who at age 31, had the worst year of his career since his rookie season. Alabama's Rolando McClain is an extremely talented prospect who is as athletic as a linebacker will come. Adding him to an already-talented unit would help to re-establish the Titans defense as one of the top in the league.
17 San Francisco (from Carolina) Mike Iupati Offensive Guard Idaho

The 49ers rank eleventh in the NFL in sacks allowed with 40. San Francisco has a hole on the interior of the line and could really stand to upgrade at the guard position. With two first round picks in the 2010, this would be a perfect opportunity to do so. Mike Iupati is one of the most talented offensive guard prospects in the past five years and should be a sure-first round pick in the 2010 Draft. An outstanding run blocker who excels at driving defenders off the ball, Iupati would be a fantastic fit in the 49ers' run-oriented offense.
18 Pittsburgh
 Donovan Warren Cornerback Michigan
In addition to only accumulating 12 interceptions during the entire 2009 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers recorded just two interceptions from their entire cornerback core. While part of this has to do with the injury to safety Troy Polamalu, it also has to do with a lack of production from their cornerbacks. There is talk that the Steelers will be looking to upgrade at the position this offseason. Donovan Warren is a very talented player who, despite playing on one of the worst teams in the Big Ten, still managed to record four interceptions this season. Adding Warren to their secondary would be one step towards re-building the Steelers' defensive backfield. I could also see Pittsburgh upgrade their offensive line, where they have had tremendous struggles the past few years.
19 Atlanta Taylor Mays Safety USC

In the secondary, and specifically at the safety position, the Atlanta Falcons have a weakness that they need to upgrade this offseason. In addition to having Erik Coleman, the Falcons in recent years have drafted Thomas DeCoud from Cal and William Moore from Missouri, however neither of them are sure things to produce as starters. Adding an elite option in Taylor Mays to patrol the defensive backfield would add a hard-hitting presence to a Falcons' defense that could use one. Mays' is one of the more overrated prospects in this year's draft, however he does have the measurables that will draw plenty of attention this offseason. The Falcons could also look at cornerback with Donovan Warren or Dominique Franks or at defensive end with Carlos Dunlap.
20 Houston Mike Johnson Offensive Guard Alabama

I've received word that the Texans plan on upgrading the interior of their offensive line this offseason. They have former Alabama center Antoine Caldwell playing at guard, but plan on moving him to center for next season. They would like to add a guard to play next to him, and what would be a better fit than placing his former teammate, left guard Mike Johnson, next to him again in the NFL? Johnson is a slight reach this high, however it's clear that the Texans are not afraid of reaching for a player if they like him. Also, with the amount of teams that need help on the interior of the offensive line, I think that Johnson's services are going to be coveted this year. The Texans could go with a running back, however it sounds like they are going to give Steve Slaton another shot next season.
21 New York Jets Golden Tate Wide Receiver Notre Dame
The New York Jets own one of the best defenses in the NFL and have a rookie quarterback starting on offense, so it'd be safe to assume that they will continue to look to help him on the offensive side of the ball. They added Braylon Edwards in the middle of the season, which proved to be a good move. However, they lack a safety net in the middle of the field who can play in the slot. Dustin Keller has played well at tight end, however the Jets could really use another added threat on offense. Golden Tate is a perfect fit as a slot receiver in the NFL who also can help as a returner. Bringing him in and adding him to an offense that already has the top running game in the league will really help to make this a balanced offense, and will give Mark Sanchez an outstanding player who will always be there as a consistent and reliable threat.
22 Baltimore Arrelious Benn Wide Receiver Illinois
At age 35, Derrick Mason's career is going to be coming to an end soon, as he showed last offseason when he retired without giving Baltimore a chance to find a replacement for him. With a full offseason to try and find someone to fill his shoes, I'd expect to see the Ravens be aggressive this offseason in search of a new threat at the receiver position. When you look at the Ravens' top receivers, two of their top three options are their tight end and running back. Losing Mason, their leading receiver, will hurt badly whenever he decides to retire. Mark Clayton is a solid No. 2 receiver and Kelly Washington is nothing more than a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver. Adding a potential No. 1 receiver in Arrelious Benn would go a long ways toward ensuring that quarterback Joe Flacco won't run out of targets in the passing game. Benn is a very talented player who also offers the team ability as a returner on special teams. Bringing him and letting him develop behind the team's veterans would be a great move for the Ravens. They could also use depth at cornerback, making Donovan Warren and Dominique Franks other options.
23 Arizona Brandon Spikes Linebacker Florida
At inside linebacker, the Cardinals placed the franchise tag on Karlos Dansby last offseason, and with that tag expiring, there's a chance that Arizona could lose Dansby via free agency. If that is the case, I'd expect to see them address their inside linebacker position in the draft. Brandon Spikes is a terrific fit for Arizona's defense, where he would step into Dansby's spot and be capable of producing immediately. The Cardinals don't have any glaring weaknesses, however I could also see them addressing their offensive line and the tight end position.  
24 Cincinnati Jermaine Gresham Tight End Oklahoma
The Cincinnati Bengals' top tight ends this season are J.P Foschi, Dan Coats, and Chase Coffman, who is now out for the season. I feel that the Bengals are one missing piece away from having a serious chance of making it to the Super Bowl. That piece is a talented tight end. Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham is out for the season with a knee injury, however he's as talented as any tight end that has entered the draft in the past five years and he would be a tremendous upgrade for this team if he can revert to full form after his injury. Adding another playmaker who is capable of stretching the seam and drawing coverage away from Chad Ochocinco would be a fantastic upgrade to the Bengals' offense. Gresham has the talent to be a Top 10 pick, but because of his injury, he could slide, which should be music to the ears of the Bengals.
25
 New England Everson Griffen Defensive End USC
Since they traded Richard Seymour to the Raiders last offseason, the New England Patriots have had loads of trouble trying to find players to rush the passer. With Adalius Thomas potentially on the way out in Foxboro, the Pats are going to be looking for a new outside rush linebacker to replace him. Everson Griffen is an extremely talented but raw defensive end for USC who has all of the tools to develop into demon of a pass rusher in the NFL. At 265 lbs, Griffen has the combination of size, strenght, and speed to play the rush linebacker spot in New England's 3-4 defense. Bringing in Griffen and adding a new dimension to their defense would go a long way towards turning this defense into one of the league's elite units once again. I could also see the Patriots looking at the offensive line add depth to help keep Tom Brady on his feet.
26 Green Bay Selvish Capers Offensive Tackle West Virginia
The Green Bay Packers allowed more sacks than any team in the NFL this season, and while they started to get better on the line as the season wore on, the line is still going to be their main focus in the offseason. Selvish Capers is an athletic tackle who is still a bit raw, but has the tools to develop into a nice starter on the offensive line at the next level. He has the size to play right tackle in Green Bay, where he played at West Virginia, and would be a great fit on their line. I've heard that Green Bay could also look at running back to give Ryan Grant some help in the running game. Also, they could look to cornerback where Al Harris is getting older and he went down with a season-ending injury this year.
27 Philadelphia Navarro Bowman Linebacker Penn State
At the linebacker position, the Eagles have dealt with injuries and lack of production which forced them to bring Jeremiah Trotter out of retirement. With Will Witherspoon at one outside spot and Stewart Bradley returning from injury next year to patrol the middle, the Eagles could still use another outside linebacker. Navarro Bowman is a very talented player from Linebacker U at Penn State. He has excellent instincts and has the athleticism to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. Bowman would be a great fit in the Eagles' remaining linebacker spot and would likely be a fan favorite, being able to continue to play in the state of Pennsylvania. I could also see the Eagles look at the offensive line where they have dealt with a lot of injuries this season.
28 Dallas Greg Jones Linebacker Michigan State
At the inside linebacker position, the Cowboys have Bradie James, who has played very well for them, and they have Keith Brooking, who will turn 35 next season. Outside of Bobby Carpenter, who has developed into a bust, they Cowboys don't have a player who could eventually take over for Brooking to help James man the middle of the field. Greg Jones is an athletic linebacker with loads of talent and has the tools needed to become a special player at the next level. Jones would be a great fit next to James, which would give the Cowboys one of, if not the top linebacker unit in the NFL. I could also see the Cowboys look at the safety position and along the offensive line where they could use depth.
29 Minnesota Jimmy Clausen Quarterback Notre Dame

The Minnesota Vikings are without a quarterback of the future to build around after Brett Favre decides to retire for the fourth time. Because of this, they should be looking for that player towards the early portion of their draft. Jimmy Clausen is a talented player, however I wouldn't be surprised if he was in for a free-fall on draft day, similar to that of Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers. He's an overrated prospect to begin with before you factor in his foot injury that will keep him out for 2-3 months during the offseason. I've talked to sources in the league who do not think that there is a quarterback in this draft class that is worth a first-round pick. However, it only takes one team to make them a first-rounder. Clausen has the national exposure and the hype working in his favor and he could be drafted far higher than he deserves. If he's there when the Vikings pick, it'd be hard for them to pass on him, just like it was hard for the Packers to pass on Aaron Rodgers when he fell to them in 2005 to become the eventual successor to Brett Favre. Ironic isn't it? The Vikings will also be looking at offensive line where they would to like to upgrade from Anthony Herrera at guard, and they could need a replacement for Bryant McKinnie if they decide to trade him, which is a realistic possibility.
30
 San Diego Jahvid Best Running Back California
The Chargers owned the league's worst run game, averaging just 3.3-yards per carry in 2009. It's beyond clear that LaDanian Tomlinson is in the latter portion of his career. Darren Sproles is nothing more than a change-of-pace back for them who can also return kicks. They are in serious need of a starting running back who can carry the ball between the tackles as well as outside. Jahvid Best is a very talented back whose college career ended short due to a nasty fall in the endzone that resulted in a neck and back injury. Best has all of the skills needed to be a workhorse back in the NFL. Being that he played at Cal, he'd also likely be a fan favorite and would be a great pick to be the successor to Tomlinson. I could also see the Chargers add depth in their front seven on defense where they were hit by injury this year.
31 New Orleans Brian Price Defensive Tackle UCLA
The New Orleans Saints finished the 2009 season 12th-worst in the league in rushing yards allowed. Part of the problem was that Sedrick Ellis was injured, however they also lacked depth on the line to hold up against the run. Anthony Hargrove filled in well, however they could use a player to play next to Ellis on the interior of the line. With Ellis being a one-technique, UCLA's Brian Price would be an excellent fit as a three-technique for them in their 4-3 defense. Price reminds me a bit of Warren Sapp in the way that he plays and he certainly has the talent to make an immediate impact at the next level. With Charles Grant going down for the season, the Saints are going to need to look at upgrading their defensive line both at tackle as well as at end in the offseason.
32 Indianapolis Dan Williams Defensive Tackle Tennessee

The Indianapolis Colts have few holes on their team and are in position to add the best player available. They could use depth on the defensive line, specifically at tackle where they've had a rotating door at the position in the past few years. Dan Williams is a large, talented player who excels at taking up space and holding his ground in the run game.. He'd bring a relentless style of play to the Colts defense and would give them another talented player on their defensive line to team with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The Colts could also look at offensive tackle where their left tackle position has not had a reliable and consistent starter all year.

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