| 8. |
|
Taylor Mays
|
Safety |
Southern Cal |
The Raiders probably have greater needs (most notably on the offensive line), but that hasn’t influenced Al Davis in the past. Taylor Mays may lack the premier cover skills that you’d like to see in a safety, but he is an absolute monster at 6′3″, 236 pounds. His stock is only going to rise after pre-draft workouts, and a lot of scouts expect him to run a 4.3 40-yard dash. Davis won’t be able to pass on that sort of physical prowess. |
| 9. |
|
Jimmy Clausen |
Quarterback |
Notre Dame |
If the Bills pass on one of the top quarterback prospects here, they’ll likely enter next season with either Ryan Fitzpatrick or Trent Edwards as the starter. Neither player will excite fans or intimidate opposing defenses. By drafting Clausen, the Bills obtain a great prospect capable of making all of the NFL throws. |
| 10. |
|
Dez Bryant |
Wide Receiver |
Oklahoma State |
It appears that Brandon Marshall is on his way out of Denver, which will leave the Broncos without a playmaking wide receiver. As the best receiver available in the 2010 draft, Bryant could fill that void nicely. He has good size (6′2″, 217) and has drawn comparisons to Terrell Owens. |
| 11. |
|
Jason Pierre-Paul |
Defensive End |
South Florida |
A lot of people want Tebow to be the selection here, but after initial reaction to the Senior Bowl, there is no way he’ll warrant a first-round pick. Instead of making a big splash that would put fans in the seats but could mortgage long-term success, the Jaguars opt for Pierre-Paul. The raw athleticism he possesses should allow him to develop into a very good pass-rush specialist — Jacksonville desperately needs help pressuring opposing quarterbacks. |
| 12. |
|
Sergio Kindle |
Outside Linebacker |
Texas |
Bill Parcells has a long history of selecting linebackers in the first round of the draft; as a 3-4 defense, the Dolphins can never have enough talent at that position. Kindle should be a perfect fit as a hybrid defensive end/linebacker and would work very well in the current defensive scheme. |
| 13. |
 |
Trent Williams |
Offensive Tackle |
Oklahoma |
The 49ers will probably look for an offensive tackle here to play opposite Joe Staley. With only one tackle off the board, they’ll have plenty to choose from. Trent Williams is probably the next-best prospect available, providing excellent toughness and versatility. As a player known for selflessness, Williams should work out very well in Mike Singletary’s team-first locker room. |
| 14. |
|
C.J. Spiller
|
Running Back |
Clemson |
The Seahawks need help at a lot of positions, and the temptation is here again to draft a premier offensive tackle. Offensively, however, Seattle lacks a playmaker who scares opposing defenses. C.J. Spiller has drawn comparisons to the likes of Chris Johnson, and could be a real steal in the middle of the first round. With Spiller, new head coach Pete Carroll gets a versatile game-breaker in the mold of Reggie Bush. |
| 15. |
 |
Rolando McClain |
Linebacker |
Alabama |
The Giants probably have more pressing needs than the defensive front, but McClain is too good to pass up here. Antonio Pierce is aging and coming back from a serious injury, so obtaining the versatile, talented McClain might be necessary. He is a solid tackler with prototypical size and speed, and a lot of scouts consider him the best linebacker available in 2010. |