2010 NFL Mock Draft 1.1: Top 15
By author
| Pick | Team | Player Selected | Player’s Position | Player’s School | Analysis |
| 1. | Ndamukong Suh | Defensive Tackle | Nebraska | Rumors are flying that the Rams could trade this pick, but the player who is drafted here won’t change. Ndamukong Suh is the best player available in this year’s draft, and game-changing defensive tackles aren’t easy to find. | |
| 2. | Gerald McCoy | Defensive Tackle | Oklahoma | To protect their $80 million investment (Matthew Stafford), the Lions would be wise to bolster their offensive line. McCoy, however, is too good to pass up here. Detroit has several needs, and a big body in the trenches is one of them. McCoy would be the best prospect in most drafts; unfortunately, he shares the spotlight with Suh this year. | |
| 3. | Jason Pierre-Paul | Defensive End | South Florida | Disappointed that both Suh and McCoy are off the board, the Buccaneers settle with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Tampa Bay needs help on the defensive line — they haven’t been able to generate a consistent pass rush since Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice departed. Pierre-Paul is a physical, athletic player who could become the next great pass rusher in the NFL. | |
| 4. | Anthony Davis |
Offensive Tackle
RutgersThere is a temptation here to draft the first quarterback, but Washington can’t pass up an opportunity to address a need on the offensive line. With several offensive tackles still on the board, the Redskins select Anthony Davis. Davis, a rising prospect on many draft boards, possesses the size, athleticism, and versatility necessary for success at the next level.
5.Russell Okung Offensive TackleOklahoma StateThe Chiefs will be busy here, especially if Jimmy Claussen and Sam Bradford are still available. A trade is possible, but if the Chiefs stay, Okung is the pick. He offers too much value to pass up, and many consider him the best offensive tackle available. Drafting Okung will give the Chiefs a huge talent and allow Brandon Albert to move over to right tackle.6.Bryan Bulaga
Offensive Tackle
IowaThe Seahawks desperately need help in the trenches; unfortunately, each one of the five teams in front of them selected a lineman. Choosing to pass on several other talented players, the Seahawks select the best offensive tackle available in Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga has excellent size and blocking ability and will be an immediate upgrade on Seattle’s depleted offensive line.
7.Joe Haden CornerbackFloridaThe Browns will jump at the opportunity to select the premier cornerback of the 2010 draft. Haden has good size (5’11”, 190), speed, and is a proven tackler. He will immediately help the Browns secondary and could develop into an outstanding cover-corner in the National Football League.
| 8. | Taylor Mays |
SafetySouthern CalThere is a better safety on the board (Eric Berry), but that hasn’t stopped Al Davis before. Mays may not have Berry’s potential, but there is no way Davis passes on such phsyical prowess: 6’3″, 236 pounds, and likely to run a 4.3 40-yard dash. Just like selecting Heyward-Bey over Crabtree last year, the Raiders will choose the workout-warrior once again.
9. Jimmy Clausen QuarterbackNotre DameIf 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 ReceiverOklahoma StateIt 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. Derrick Morgan
Defensive EndGeorgia Tech
The Jaguars are ecstatic that Morgan falls out of the top ten; many consider him the best defensive end available this year. Jacksonville struggled to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season. Morgan has excellent pass-rushing potential and is also strong against the rush.
12. Sergio KindleOutside LinebackerTexasBill 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.Eric Berry
SafetyTennesseeThe first big surprise in 2010, and the second steal in two drafts for the 49ers (Michael Crabtree). Crazier things have happened and it would be a definite shock is Berry fell this far. But if he does, San Francisco will jump at the opportunity to address a position of need by selecting the best safety available in the draft.
14. C.J. Spiller
Running BackClemsonOffensively, Seattle still 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 McClainLinebackerAlabamaThe 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.