NFL Draft Bible Mock Draft 1.0

NFL Draft Bible scouting guru Justin Van Fulpen and talent evaluator Mike Bozarth set the table with the initial first round mock of the 2010 draft season.

1. St. Louis Rams (1-15) - QB Jimmy Clausen*, Notre Dame – The latest rumblings have the Rams potentially trading for Mike Vick and then selecting Ndamukong Suh. Until they obtain a quarterback, the Rams need to start from square one, which means identifying a signal-caller.

2. Detroit Lions (2-14) - DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – The “skinny” 300-pounder wreaks havoc in the middle with his athleticism/burst and is a once-in-a-decade type of player.

3. Tampa Bay Bucs (3-13) – DT Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma – One of the toughest positions to find a quality, impact starter is defensive tackle and McCoy will likely benefit from this. However, that is not to say he doesn’t possess great upside and top-five talent.

4. Washington Redskins (4-12) - QB Sam Bradford*, Oklahoma – Scouts and NFL-types alike are waiting until Bradford’s private workout (tentatively scheduled for April) to make their judgments. If everything checks out medically, new head coach Mike Shanahan will put his stamp on the team with a new quarterback.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12) – DB Eric Berry*, Tennessee – Some consider Berry to be the best player in this year’s draft, one capable of playing cornerback and both safety positions.

6. Seattle Seahawks (5-11) – DE Derrick Morgan*, Georgia Tech – With Patrick Kerney set to turn 35 this season, the Seahawks will be in a position to nab the most talented defensive end in the draft to start opposite Lawrence Jackson.

7. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - ILB Rolando McClain*, Alabama – An all-around talent who played in a 3-4 defensive scheme in college, McClain would be an ideal fit with the Browns, especially with D’Qwell Jackson coming off a season-ending shoulder injury.

8. Oakland Raiders (5-11) - OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State – The Raiders need a tremendous amount of help along the offensive line and Okung would be an ideal building block…unlike Robert Gallery, the number two overall pick of the 2004 draft, who has been relegated to backup guard duties.

9. Buffalo Bills (6-10) – OT Anthony Davis*, Rutgers – While the Bills may hope one of the quarterbacks slip to them at number nine, it won’t matter who’s under center if they can’t keep that signal caller upright. They should pounce on Davis, a dominant run blocker who has the potential to be the best left tackle coming out of this draft.

10. Denver Broncos (7-9) – WR Dez Bryant*, Oklahoma State – It could be Christmas in April for the Broncos if the former Okie State Cowboy Bryant slips. With Brandon Marshall on his way out, they would have a ready-made replacement in Bryant, who has a similar skill set and can’t be as big of a drama queen as Marshall.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9) – DT Brian Price*, UCLA – The Jags would be extremely interested in Derrick Morgan, if he is still around. Derrick Harvey has been less than impressive in his first two seasons, but deserves another year. Both of the Jags’ young defensive ends would benefit from the addition of another talented tackle to go alongside the veteran John Henderson. Price is an extremely talented player that creates disruption in the offensive backfield.

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9) – DT Dan Williams, Tennessee – Williams is a force in the middle, but many question if he is just a one-year wonder. The former Volunteer isn’t the most talented player on the board, but would fill a need for Miami’s 3-4 defense. However, don’t be surprised if the Dolphins look to trade down to accumulate additional picks. If they don’t find anyone willing, they will be satisfied to fill the need.

13. San Francisco 49ers (8-8) – DE Carlos Dunlap*, Florida – Dunlap is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2010 draft. At 6’6”, 290 pounds he is big enough to play a 3-4 end or be a dominating 4-3 rush end. His DUI during the 2009 season will hurt his draft stock. He will still be a top-15 pick, but if kept his nose clean the former Gator could have been a top-five pick overall.

14. Seattle Seahawks (8-8) – RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson – Even though it looks like the Seahawks found a solid running back in former Cal Golden Bear Justin Forsett, they are not done rebuilding the ground attack. Spiller is an electrifying player; a great receiver and return man whose touches should be spread out. The Seahawks would have a great tandem at running back with the addition of Spiller.

15. New York Giants (8-8) – CB Joe Haden*, Florida – The New York football Giants should do back flips if this former Gator and Thorpe Award finalist drops to them at 15. Big Blue has needs help at all three levels of the defense and Haden is the type of lockdown corner than can make everyone look better.

16. San Francisco 49ers (8-8) – OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma – Once pegged as a sure-fire top-ten pick, Williams is indeed talented…but is probably a little overrated. The biggest question mark is whether he will be a left tackle or right tackle in the NFL, which will determine his value come draft day. The Niners wouldn’t need him to protect the quarterback’s blind side, so this Boomer Sooner would be a true San Francisco treat.

17. Tennessee Titans (9-7) – DE Jason Pierre-Paul*, South Florida – Pierre-Paul is a player that has been flying up boards of late. He could be long gone by the time the Titans pick if he impresses at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is a little raw, but has elite ability which is why he is a lock first rounder despite playing only one season at the Division I level. The Titans could use a shot of youth on their aging defensive line.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – OG Mike Iupati, Idaho – Iupati is still raw, but his ceiling is high—he’s a potentially dominant interior lineman. He is an extremely physical player that plays the type of football the Steelers are known for. Given time, Iupati could be an elite guard or tackle in the NFL.

19. Atlanta Falcons (9-7) – S Taylor Mays, USC – There are far better all-around safeties still on the board, but Taylor Mays’ combination of elite size and speed will make him the second safety selected. He is a physically-gifted player, but must sharpen up his game to ever have a chance of being an elite NFL player. There is no question that his instincts and awareness are below average.

20. Houston Texans (9-7) – S Earl Thomas**, Texas – Bernard Pollard was a pleasant surprise for the Texans defense last season. Now Houston is searching for a playmaking free safety to pair with Pollard and the former Longhorn Earl Thomas is exactly that. He is a natural ball-hawk with great instincts who excels in coverage.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) – TE Jermaine Gresham*, Oklahoma – This is a perfect example of team need meeting the best available player. Gresham is one of the best pass-catching tight ends to enter the draft in a long time. He needs to show he is healthy and have a strong showing at the Combine to be selected in the first round.

22. New England Patriots (10-6) – OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas – It will come as no surprise that the Patriots will get great value with this pick. Kindle is a solid all-around player that has the ability to get to the quarterback. He is also capable of playing in a two-point stance or with his hand on the ground, versatility Bill Belichick will put to good use. New England has lost a lot on defense over the last few years, and it looks like they might lose more this off-season. Expect the Pats to select defensive players early and often in the 2010 draft.

23. Green Bay Packers (11-5) – OT Bryan Bulaga*, Iowa – The Packers desperately need to upgrade their offensive line—Aaron Rodgers was hurried and hit way too much in 2009. The team has explosive playmakers that can stretch the field, but Rodgers simply didn’t have the time to throw downfield. Bulaga would provide help on either the left or right side.

24. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) – MLB Brandon Spikes, Florida – The Eagles are one of the most talented teams in the NFL and there are not many positions they need to address, but they could really use a playmaker at linebacker. Former Gator Brandon Spikes would be a perfect fit for the Eagles—he’s ready to step in and play from day one and would provide leadership as well.

25. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) – WR Golden Tate*, Notre Dame – The Ravens passing game was terrible during the playoffs. Number one wide out Derrick Mason could be headed towards retirement and understudy Mark Clayton is simply not a number one receiver. Tate could step in and make an immediate impact. He is capable of lining up allover the field. With a great offensive line, a Pro Bowl running back, and a young strong-armed passer, it’s a no brainier: the Ravens need a big time playmaker on the outside.

26. Arizona Cardinals (10-6) – OT Bruce Campbell*, Maryland – The Cards could go linebacker with their first pick, but the left tackle position is a more important spot for them to fill. Former top-ten pick Levi Brown is a decent right tackle and should remain on that side. Campbell has a lot of talent and has a good chance of being selected before this, but if he is available here, the Birds shouldn’t hesitate to write his name on their card.

27. Dallas Cowboys (11-5) – S Chad Jones*, LSU – Chad Jones is a playmaker, capable of delivering huge hits. At 6’3”, 230 pounds with speed, Jones could play either the free or strong safety position. He would be a very nice addition to a talented Cowboy defense that at times is still vulnerable to deep plays through the air. He could end up being the second best safety in the 2010 draft.

28. San Diego Chargers (13-3) – RB Jahvid Best*, Cal – With future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson probably on his way out, or at the very least headed towards a much smaller role, Best would be a great replacement. He is an explosive player with big play ability. The Golden Bear was running very well before suffering a season-ending concussion and back injury. If he gets the green light from the doctors Best should be a first-round pick.

29. New York Jets (9-7) – WR Damian Williams*, USC – The Jets need a more reliable receiver than Braylon Edwards. Williams has good hands, offers big time playmaking ability and would provide former USC teammate Mark Sanchez with a dependable target. Illinois product Arrelious Benn may have more upside but Williams is the safer pick for Gang Green.

30. Minnesota Vikings (12-4) – QB Tim Tebow, Florida – If Brett Favre decides to come back for another year, don’t be surprised if the Vikings look to secure their quarterback of the future. Tebow probably needs to stand on the sideline for a year or two but the Vikings roster is pretty stacked, so it wouldn’t be a huge risk to select one of the greatest college players of all-time.

31. New Orleans Saints (13-3) – OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – The Saints would have to be thrilled with the addition of a well-polished linebacker like Weatherspoon. With Jonathan Vilma lined up next to him, Weatherspoon could be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He needs to play a little more under control, but that is something that can be fixed. He is a playmaker with a nose for the ball and will provide great value for a team in need of a defensive shot in the arm.

32. Indianapolis Colts (14-2) – DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse – The Colts will go either defensive tackle or outside linebacker with their first pick. They may have their sights set on Weatherspoon, but will settle for a solid defensive tackle. Jones would help free up pass rushers Jerome Mathis and Dwight Freeney and allow them to wreak even more havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

* Keep a lookout for more Mock Drafts from both Justin Van Fulpen and Mike Bozarth.

* Denotes Junior
** Denotes Red-Shirt Sophomore

Photos Courtesy of Notre Dame Sports Information, College Press Box, Dennis Hubbard, UT Photography, University of California, Syracuse University Athletics

More Jackets To Leave The Hive?

Three days after Georgia Tech junior wide receiver Demaryius Thomas declared for the NFL Draft, Yellow Jackets Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer and Derrick Morgan will meet with the media.

At 1:00 on Monday, the University will make trio of juniors available to the media. It would not be a surprise if all three followed the lead of Thomas and give up their final year of eligibility for the chance to play on Sundays.

Morgan is projected as a potential top ten pick should he decide to make the jump. The defensive end is coming a spectacular season in which he recorded 55 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recoveries on his way to ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Joining Thomas and Morgan on the All-ACC first team was Dwyer, who ran for 1,395 yards to lead the team. He found the end zone 14 times as a junior and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Burnett was a second team All ACC selection after snagging four interceptions to lead the Yellow Jackets. The safety registering 85 tackles (four tackles).

Dwyer is a potential first round pick and would be competing with fellow underclassman Jahvid Best and Ryan Mathews to be the number two running back prospect after Clemson’s C.J. Spiller. Like Thomas, Burnett is more likely to go in round number two should he decide he is ready to play in the league where they play for pay.

Georgia Tech is coming off of an 11-3 season, which included an ACC title. The Ramblin' Wreck defeated the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship game 39-34 before falling 24-14 to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2010 Orange Bowl.

Check for updates on this story.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

One On One: HOFer Patrick Swilling, Georgia Tech

Talk about the honor of being with this class.

As a young kid, when you play high school and college football you’re thankful for the opportunity to even play. You never think you’ll be sitting here in New York City being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, where I think there have only been 15-1,600 players in the history of football to be inducted. For me and my family and Georgia Tech it’s a great day. To represent such a prestigious university…and you look at John Heisman and all the great players from Georgia Tech over the years and the great careers they had and what it just means….it’s humbling and a great experience for me and my family.

How about your Yellow Jackets? ACC champs going to a BCS bowl.

Our team is great. To get into the FedEx Orange Bowl is just wonderful. They fought for it and played a great Clemson team. I’ve never seen such a slugfest in my life like this past Saturday night. It just shows that Georgia Tech is back to the prominence where it was and if we go out and win this game, hopefully we wind up in the top five. It’s great for Georgia Tech and the whole family.

Were you happy you didn’t have to be out there chasing around C.J. Spiller?

I’ll tell you what—I was happy it was over when it was. That kid could have run for 500 yards, or more.

Derrick Morgan has done well and really exploded on the scene this past season. Talk about how impressive he is.

I spoke with him at the Virginia Tech game and I told him to keep playing hard. At that position you can be very talented, but it’s the guys who keep running to the edge, who go to the edge and run hard and play hard, that’s how you sack the quarterback and keep your engine going and become a great player. This kid has the ability to make it at the next level in the NFL with some better coaching on how to get to the edge and how to do different things with his hands. He’s going to be one of the best players, I think, in the NFL one of these days if he keeps preparing and working hard. It was good to see the year that he had and I’m looking forward to seeing him against Iowa. The kid had a great year and I think his football career is just getting started.

What’s the toughest part and secret to making the transition from college defensive end to outside linebacker it in the NFL?

I don’t know if there’s a secret. You look at some guys like myself, Charles Haley, and a few other guys who were tweeners. I think you really have to work hard when you’re one of those guys because it’s difficult for coaches to try and figure out, “Where exactly do I put this guy? Where does he fit in?” I was fortunate to have Jim Mora in that group. I was kind of a hybrid because I could rush the passer and I just worked hard at the linebacker portion of it even though we didn’t drop much, but I was pretty good at it. In the offseason I worked hard at it, learning coverages and learning where to be. I think it helped my career, but you get guys like myself who are 6’4” 245-250 pounds, who are a little too big to be a linebacker, but a little bit too small to be a big time defensive end. I was fortunate; I lost a little weight and got stronger so I could do both. To these guys who are tweeners—you have to figure out what exactly you need to do to get better and fit into that mold where the coach has to put you there. But I’ve seen a lot of guys who have struggled. It’s very difficult when you are a tweener to make the transition.

Is there uncertainty when asked to do something you’ve never been asked to do before?

I think there is and I think unless you’re willing to work really hard in the offseason to get better at what you’re not good at as a tweener, it becomes even more difficult. I could rush the passer, but they were concerned about my ability to drop back into coverage. So I spent the offseason with some guys down in Atlanta, every year, studying pass coverage. The whole point is: you have to work at the things you’re not good at to be a complete player in the NFL.

What about Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for the Heisman?

That’s an offensive award.

Who’s got your vote for the Heisman?

Spiller had a great year. I think it’s probably going to come down to one of those running backs and I wouldn’t be surprised if (Mark) Ingram at Alabama or Spiller at Clemson won.

Would you give it to Ingram?

I would, considering the success that Alabama’s had.

What do you think Tim Tebow will play in the NFL? Do you think he’s going to be a quarterback at the next level?

I think he could be a quarterback. If I was an NFL coach or offensive coordinator I would definitely take him because you look at what he can do. The concern is whether he can stay healthy in the NFL running the football. You look at his delivery as a quarterback and you see that he has a tendency to lay that ball back a little bit too low. Is he athletic enough to play in the NFL? Yes, because he’s a guy who can run the ball. Can you imagine what you could do with him in the Wildcat? He could really run the Wildcat. You’re talking about throwing, running, and passing so I think he could bring another dimension to an offense.

What are your thoughts on the NFL asking players to be honest when it comes to concussions and the symptoms that can occur?

I’m going to be honest with you; you can't make a club in the tub. If you’re hurt and can’t play, you’re not going to have a long career. I think you’re asking too much of players to not be tough guys. The NFL is a tough sport and I think the league, unfortunately, has softened the sport. There’s too much protection of certain people. This is football. This is not some other sport. I look at some of the penalties on these hits and things of this nature, I mean, come on guys…we play football for a living! I think the NFL has hurt the sport with all of this stuff. I like protection of players who have had multiple concussions, but let football players be tough guys…that’s what we are.

Photo Courtesy of the National Football Foundation

HOF Spotlight: Pat Swilling, Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech legend spoke to CFI Founder at the 2009 HOF Induction at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Pay Swilling gave some interesting insight on the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, as well as his thoughts on the state of the NFL (TOO SOFT!!). He also talked about being inducted to the HOF, his Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets winning the ACC, Jacket's defensive end Derrick Morgan and Clemson's C.J. Spiller.

Click to Listen Now

Photo Courtesy of the National Football Foundation

CFI Countdown: #17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2008 Record: 9-4 (ACC: 5-3)
Bowl Game: Lost Chick-fil-A Bowl to LSU 38-3
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Stadium: Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,000)
Head Coach: Paul Johnson
Overall: 116-43 (13th season)
@ Georgia Tech: 9-4 (2nd season)
Link to Ga. Tech Football Page

The assumption many in the media are making is that a team that exceeded expectations with nine wins in their first season under a new head coach and new system will improve simply by showing up in year two. That isn’t always the case. That is not to say that Coach Paul Johnson or stars Jonathan Dwyer and Morgan Burnett have any such ideas—because they don’t. With expectations comes added pressure and it also means a win over the Ramblin’ Wreck is a feather in the cap of their foes. It will be interesting to see which direction the Jackets go.

When the Yellow Jackets Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Paul Johnson (2nd season)
Scheme: Spread (Triple) Option
Starters Returning: Nine
Key Losses: OT Andrew Gardner

No one in the ACC can match the firepower Tech brings in the offensive backfield led by junior Jonathan Dwyer. The ACC’s leading rusher from a year ago has both the ability to bulldoze defenders and blaze his way for a big run—he’s been a perfect fit as Coach Johnson’s B-back in the option attack. Dwyer was devastatingly effective, averaging seven yards per carry. A perfect complement emerged in sophomore Roddy Jones who rushed for 690 yards despite only 81 carries. Adding to the depth is the powerful Anthony Allen, a junior transfer from Louisville. Running the show is junior quarterback Josh Nesbitt who was very adept at running the ball and leading the option—a point guard who could dish or keep it. If they are to take the next step and win the ACC title (as ACC Insider Brian Palmese has predicted), Nesbitt will have to become a better all-around player, which means he has to improve his passing. Last season, the junior completed only 43.9 percent of his passes for two scores (five interceptions), which isn’t going to cut it. He has a legit number one receiver in 6’ 3” junior wide out Demaryius Thomas. The offensive line is also in question—they lost two starters, but have the entire line intact from impressive wins over Georgia and Miami (as well as a thrashing at the hands of LSU). Even though they ran the ball well, the line doesn’t possess the quickness and athleticism Johnson typically craves.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) RB Jonathan Dwyer (JR), 2) WR Demaryius Thomas (JR), 3) OG Joseph Gilbert (SO)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Dave Wommack (2nd season)
Scheme: 4-3/4-2-5
Starters Returning: Eight
Key Losses: DE Michael Johnson, DT Darryl Richard, DT Vance Walker, LB Tony Clark, CB Jahi Word-Daniels

With so much focus on the offense, the amount of playmakers Tech has on defense often gets overlooked. Gone are starters Darryl Richard and Vance Walker at tackle, as well as electrifying end Michael Johnson. It will be nearly impossible to replace their production, but junior end Derrick Morgan isn’t a bad start. He needs to prove he is ready to be the man and that he wasn’t a product of the attention the seniors received. They should be fine at linebacker where they are healthy and deep, led by talented sophomore Kyle Jefferson and senior Sedric Griffin. But the strength of the defense lies at the safety position. Strong safety Morgan Burnett is an instinctive player with phenomenal ball skills which allow him to contribute against both the run and the pass. Fellow junior Dominique Reese and sophomore Cooper Taylor are talented in their own right. Don’t be surprised to see all three on the field at the same time. They should be solid, not spectacular, at cornerback.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) SS Morgan Burnett (JR), 2) DE Derrick Morgan (JR), 3) LB Kyle Jackson (SO)

The Schedule

For the most part, the Jackets can’t have too many complaints when it comes to the schedule. First and foremost they play both Virginia Tech and North Carolina—their most likely challengers for the Coastal Division crown (and two of their three conference losses in 2008)—in Bobby Dodd Stadium. They also host Georgia in the finale and Clemson on Thursday night in week two. In addition to Clemson, they play Florida St. from the Atlantic Division and that one is on the road, where they’ve never beaten the ‘Noles. And let’s not forget that Thursday night trip to South Beach to take on the rising ‘Canes.

Pivotal Point

A balanced attack would go a long way towards seeing the Ramblin’ Wreck beat out the Hokies and the Heels and make it to the ACC Championship Game. Does Nesbitt have it in him? His 43.9 percent completion rate, two touchdowns and 73.5 yards per game last season were down right anemic. The irony is many questioned whether a Chan Gailey recruited quarterback could play effectively for Bobby Johnson. Nesbitt has a decent enough arm, but can he be accurate enough, even with teams focusing on the run? Another reason the Jackets need to be more balanced is that being so run dominate ignores their second most talented offensive player in Thomas. He’s is a big target who can go up and get the football with the potential to be an explosive playmaker—see Duke, October 4th, when Thomas went off for 230 yards (over a third of his sophomore production).

CFI Final Analysis

The offense may get better with another year under their belt in Johnson’s flex offense, but let’s not forget the defense is in a transition period as well, which was eased last season with three impact seniors along the defensive line. With three new starters and no more John Tenuta blitzes can they create the same havoc, and how will that impact the back seven? Don’t fret Techsters, your Jackets won’t take a step back, but a step forward won’t be automatic.



College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles

Contact Daniel Mogollon via email dan@collegefootballinsiders.com

Photo Credit: Georgia Tech Sports Information Office