1. |
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Ndamukong Suh |
DT |
Nebraska |
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I truly believe the Rams would prefer to take a quarterback with this selection, but I'm not sure they're excited about the idea of making Sam Bradford (injury issues) to Jimmy Clausen (attitude and injury issues) the No. 1 overall pick. GM Billy Devaney will try his best to trade down, but it will be more difficult than every to find a trade partner given the uncertain state of the CBA. Suh is the consensus top prospect available and could be the selection by default. |
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2. |
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Gerald McCoy |
DT |
Oklahoma |
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It must be nice to be a Lions fan this offseason. Assuming Martin Mayhew is slightly more competent than his predecessor they should be guaranteed to land either Suh or McCoy. Both would be excellent fits for Jim Schwartz's defense and should give the run defense an instant boost. While Suh gets all the hype, McCoy is only a slight notch below him. In other words, the Lions shouldn't be at all disappointed to "settle" for the second-best lineman with the second-overall selection. |
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3. |
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Eric Berry |
S |
Tennessee |
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Safeties are typically the safest position to draft, but they don't impact the game enough to warrant a top-five selection. As a result, since 1991 Eric Turner and Sean Taylor are the only safeties selected in the top five. However, Berry is a special player. He has the versatility that teams love and can play cornerback and both safety positions. Jermaine Phillips is a free agent, and due to his off-field issues likely will not return, creating an immediate opening for Berry at free safety. |
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4. |
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Sam Bradford |
QB |
Oklahoma |
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Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen's first order of business this offseason will be to determine Jason Campbell's future. Campbell is a competent starting quarterback, but not the star that the Redskins want. He is a restricted free agent and even if he returns it will likely be on a 1-year contract. Mike Shanahan has indicated that he's willing to give Campbell a chance, but they'll likely bring in Bradford or Clausen to sit and learn (and get healthy) behind Campbell for a year. |
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5. |
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Rolando McClain |
ILB |
Alabama |
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I'm definitely in the minority in my prediction that the Chiefs are targeting Rolando McClain, so here me out on this. In New England Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick put an emphasis on building up the defensive front-seven early in the draft. They made three top-15 selections together and spent the picks on Ty Warren, Richard Seymour and Jerod Mayo. Their belief is that a difference maker on defense is harder to find later in the draft. For more on this selection see my blog entry. |
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Russell Okung |
OT |
Oklahoma State |
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Walter Jones' career is likely over and the Seahawks desperately need to find a new franchise left tackle. Damion McIntosh and Sean Locklear have been playing out of position at left tackle in Jones' absence this year and neither is a viable long-term option. Okung is the top offensive tackle available in this year's draft. He may be a bit of a project, but he has a high ceiling and would be an excellent fit in Seattle. If Clausen or Bradford are on the both, they are also worth considering. |
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7. |
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Joe Haden |
CB |
Florida |
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The Browns front-seven made some major strides toward the end of last season, despite playing without Shaun Rodgers. With linebackers Matt Roth and Marcus Benard emerging as impact players, the Browns focus should turn to their offensive line and the secondary. With Russell Okung off the board, the Browns attention should turn to Haden who is easily the top-rated cornerback. Of course, as they did last year, the Browns are a prime candidate to trade down. |
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8. |
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Jason Pierre-Paul |
DE |
South Florida |
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History tells us that Al Davis will fall for a player with elite size and speed, and likely someone that shouldn't be selected until at least 5-10 picks later. The top candidates this year are Pierre-Paul and Taylor Mays. Considering that Davis reached at least 3 rounds for 220-pound safety Mike Mitchell last year, I'm leaning towards Pierre-Paul being the selection this year. Pierre-Paul would actually fit nicely in Oakland since Richard Seymour is an unrestricted FA and is unlikely to return. |
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9. |
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Anthony Davis |
OT |
Rutgers |
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I personally believe this is a reach, but it fits what appears to be the Bills plans this offseason. 91-year-old owner Ralph Wilson wants to see another winner in his lifetime, so the Bills aren't going to give the new Buddy Nix/Chan Gailey tandem 3-5 years to turn things around. Jimmy Clausen is an option, but they're more likely address that need with a veteran (Vick?). The Bills allowed 46 sacks last season, 4th most in the league. |
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10. |
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Dez Bryant |
WR |
Oklahoma State |
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[pick from Bears] Its becoming increasingly likely that Brandon Marshall has played his last down in Denver. Should they part ways with Marshall it will create a massive hole at receiver, further hurting an already struggling passing attack. Bryant won't fill Marshall's shoes from day one, but he certainly has the skills necessary to develop into an elite receiver at the next level. The Broncos secondary is also an area of concern, and Joe Haden could be a target if he's still on the board. |
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