NFL Mock Draft 12-22

By Paul M. Banks and Peter Christian

From all the talk concerning the NFL collective bargaining agreement, it seems any player who stays in school instead of going pro in 2010 will be giving up millions of dollars. So far, Jake Locker is the only player who made that sacrifice. There’s no salary cap for next year as of now, and the CBA expires after this season. First round skill position prospects Arrelious Benn and Ryan Mathews declared early for the draft. Expect many more juniors to follow suit these next few months!

Team Player Position School

1. St. Louis Rams Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska

The Rams clearly seem headed towards finishing the season with the worst record in the NFL. And Suh, who seems to spend most of the time his playing time in opponents’ backfields, is impossible to pass up. After the game Texas Coach Mack Brown, said about Suh: “He was all over the place. We just couldn’t handle him. I tried to find him to wish him good luck in the NFL, because I don’t want to see him again.”

For an interview/profile of Suh, click here

The only thing more awful than the Rams lack of NFL level talent is their horrible 1980s rap video “Ram it,” (see below) which they made back when the franchise was located in Los Angeles. Hard to believe the PR department approved such a horrible song filled with over-the-top sexual imagery.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Eric Berry S Tennessee

The Bucs rushing defense (or should I say lack thereof) is exceedingly apparent, so they’ll need help stuffing the run. And Eric Berry is the heir apparent to Ed Reed as the elite defensive play-maker in the NFL. Scouts think he’s pretty solid against the run; not so bad against the pass either. As Berry finishes out his Vols career, scandalous news is breaking about the University’s supposedly illegal recruiting methods.

(For more on the hotties hired by the Univ. of Tennessee to assist recruiting efforts, click here) One wonders if Berry will be recruited by NFL teams in the same manner that he was possibly wooed in high school?

3. Detroit Lions Trent Williams OT Oklahoma

The Lions need a lot, they can start on the O Line. The Okung or Williams debate over who is the better choice at offensive tackle is one where there really isn’t a loser. By the way, if you’re planning on seeing the new film about a Left Tackle “The Blind Side,” I’m warning you know it’s “Jerry Maguire” all over again- a thinly disguised chick flick mass-marketed as a football movie. Trent Williams, like Okung, has good feet, strong hands and the talent to become elite in the NFL.

For more Lions coverage click here

4. Cleveland Browns Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame

Brady Quinn has looked better recently, and Cleveland is playing well enough that the Browns will likely not pick #1. But the team with the ugliest uniforms in the league still needs a legitimate franchise quarterback; and all they may go the ND route again. And since Charlie Weis is looking for work again, perhaps he should be Cleveland’s offensive coordinator. It could be one big, happy family.

For more on Clausen click here, For more Notre Dame, go here.

5. Kansas City Chiefs Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State

He’s a big reason why the Cowboys’ offense produced over 200 yards a game on the ground. Twice during his career he has not allowed a sack against the nation’s leader at the time – the latest was an effort against Texas A&M end Von Miller this season. No Wonder OSU Coach Mike Gundy is such an excitable guy, he had Okung on his team. Russell combines all his physical gifts with a high football IQ, making him a franchise OT.

6. Washington Redskins Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma

This would be a nice complement to Albert Haynesworth, and the Skins could use more talent on the defensive line because the last time they had an overwhelmingly dominant d lineman was something like 40 years ago. McCoy is a pillar of strength that can dominate from the center of the field. He is very agile for a guy just shy of 300 pounds and will be a combine favorite.

7. Buffalo Bills Colt McCoy QB Texas

Trent Edwards (and Ryan Fitzpatrick) have commanded Buffalo to the 25th ranked passing attack in the league. And the Bills have also lacked a true franchise QB for about 15 years. McCoy has shown poise, leadership, and the ability to win that the Bills have lacked since Jim Kelly. Win football games, not Super Bowls that is. Oh, and back to back picks with the same last name- total coincidence

For an interview/profile of McCoy click here

8. Denver Broncos (From the Chicago Bears, a horribly mismanaged organization that treats both the media and their fans like subhuman garbage) Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma St.

Jay Cutler broke a new Bears franchise record for interceptions, and seems to have gotten in touch with his inner Rex Grossman.

That trade just keeps looking better and better for Denver, doesn’t it? Bryant’s off-the-field issues won’t hurt his draft stock too much. And Dez is #1 the receiver on most board; partially due to his sure-handedness and fearlessness about going down the middle. His speed ain’t too shabby either. He’d make a perfect complement to Brandon Marshall.

For more Bears coverage, click here

9. Oakland Raiders Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma

Bruce Gradkowski is injured and JaMarcus Russell is a bigger bust than Jenn “FSU Cowgirl” Sterger. (well, Sterger before she had her implants removed). Therefore, Oakland needs a QB, and Bradford is the pick. Unless his 40 yard dash at the combine fails to impress Al Davis. Because we all know, the Raiders owner is overly impressed by speed the way babies are impressed by shiny objects. Maybe Davis’ judgment won’t be clouded this time.

For more on Jenn Sterger’s implant removal, go here.

10. Seattle Seahawks Greg Hardy DE Ole Miss

Greg Hardy may be the purest sack artist in the draft. He has a lethal combination of speed and power that he mixes up to get to the quarterback. Hardy also has a sort of “Overdrive” that he shifts into once he smells a possible sack. Because of Carlos Dunlap’s highly publicized off-the-field issues, Hardy now overtakes him on the DE draft board.

11. San Francisco 49ers Bruce Campbell OT Maryland

Campbell could go higher, because he easily has as much talent and ability as Okung and Williams, but he doesn’t have their track record of durability. Therefore, he slips down the board a little. Still this is essentially shaping up to be “the offensive tackle draft” (yeah, so sexy I know) like 1983 was “the quarterback draft”.

12. San Francisco 49ers (From Carolina) Sergio Kindle OLB Texas

Kindle is a versatile linebacker that is an excellent attacker. He takes very good angles to the ball and makes tackles all over the field. Sergio’s mix of energy and instincts allows him to overcome the fact that he is a little slower than coaches would want.

13. Houston Texans Jahvid Best RB Cal

Best is exactly what is name proclaims at his position. He has very good vision and an even better instinct on when to turn on the jets. He is very good at making defenders miss at every level. He isn’t a bruiser back but if coupled with a versatile offense he has the makings of the next young play-making running back.

14. Miami Dolphins Terence Cody DT Alabama

Cody is a big time anchor guy who could go higher if he stays in good shape throughout the combine and workout process. He is a perfect 3-4 true nose tackle and can really control the flow and direction of a play.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars Jonathan Dwyer RB Georgia Tech

The Jags offense works much better when they have two main backs in their stable. And Dwyer, an old school workhorse running back, would be an upgrade over MoJo’s current backups. He can run inside and outside and can handle as many carries as the coach gives him. Dwyer’s a big back, but he has good speed as well and can be the muscle of a two back system or handle the bulk of the carries as well.

16. Tennessee Titans Joe Haden CB Florida

The Titans could use a DB and Haden is the top of the board amongst corners when it comes to solid coverage and ball skills. He makes good reads and adjusts well to the ball when it’s in the air. And if weren’t the college football mainstream media devoting 90% of their Gators coverage to telling us what a model American Tim Tebow is, we’d all be more well aware of these facts.

But hey, at least Tebow thanked CBS and ESPN for granting him sainthood. Read more about that by clicking here.

17. New York Jets Arrelious Benn WR Illinois

Arrelious, or “Rejus” as he’s sometimes called, will probably run a 4.4-4.5 at the combine. Pair that with his linebacker size and physique and you have a weapon potentially equal to the next Anquan Boldin. He’s also a big time contributor on special teams. You think Mark Sanchez would salivate a little over the idea of this pick? Benn officially declared last Wednesday, you can the read more about decision and statements by clicking here.

To see the Illini All-Decade team, go here

For a more in-depth interview/detailed profile of Benn click here

Did you see Benn’s saving-an-INT-by-ripping-the-ball-from-the-Fresno-DB’s-arms TD catch in the Illini’s final game? It was a thing of beauty; like ESPNU’s Jenn Brown.

For more on Jenn Brown, go here and here.

18. Atlanta Falcons Rolando McClain LB Alabama

McClain is an amazing tackler in space and can cover a lot of ground from the middle linebacker spot. He’s got great fundamentals and has a knack of shedding blockers to make big tackles.

For an interview/profile of McClain, click here

19. Seattle Seahawks (From Denver) Ryan Mathews RB Fresno St.

Mathews is the nation’s leading rusher, and the best runner you’ve never heard of. With his durability, balanced running style and explosive bursts, he now finds himself the Fresno State season record holder for rushing, with a game left to play. And #2 on Mel “Helmet Hair” Kiper’s list of running backs in the junior class.

For an exclusive interview/in depth profile of Mathews click here

20. Dallas Cowboys Arthur Jones DT Syracuse

Jones’ is a gap filler and stronger than Arnold Schwarnegger during the height of his steroid using days. He is in a Pat Williams type run stopper that will be look like a man amongst boys at times. He plays hard on every play and is of the rare breed of football players that will never quit on any play.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers Jermaine Cunningham DE Florida

Cunningham isn’t as explosive as his teammate Carlos Dunlap but he is more reliable on a play by play basis. He gets to the quarterback with regularity and makes a lot of tackles in the run game as well.

22. Baltimore Ravens Golden Tate WR Notre Dame

Baltimore’s group of wide receivers make big plays about as often as someone watching a rerun of the HBO’s “The Wire” says to his or herself, “hey, I really want to go visit Baltimore.” Tate is a burner with enough ups to compensate for his lack of height.

For more Notre Dame coverage, go here.

23. Arizona Cardinals Taylor Mays S USC

The Arizona Cardinals badly need to upgrade their 29th ranked pass defense. And if you asked a scout to write down their ideal size and speed numbers for an NFL free safety they’d list: 6-3, 235, 4.4. Oddly enough that is Taylor’s height, weight and 40 time on record. Enough said.

24. New York Giants Navorro Bowman LB Penn State

Even though the Giants linebacker needs are likely more on the inside than outside, Bowman’s versatility and football acumen has been well documented by the scouts. I have no doubts about the Giants’ ability to fit him into the mix as he would be too good a prospect to pass up at this point. He was an absolute force down the stretch for PSU, (earning a few Big Ten defensive player of the week awards) and it’s becoming impossible not to compare him to Lavar Arrington- same school, position, and jersey number. Arrington went on to six Pro Bowls, so that’s quite a complement.

For an interview/profile of Bowman, click here

25. Green Bay Packers Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa

As you might have heard, the Pack’s OL was terrible, and has slightly improved. Now they’re only pretty bad. GB will get a huge boost in their ability to run and pass protect on the left side when they take Bulaga, one of the best OL in college football.

To read the ten most painful Packer moments of the 2000s, click here

For more Packers coverage click here

26. New England Patriots Jared Odrick DT Penn State

The Pats’ struggles and injuries to the front seven this season have been a constant reminder that this draft will no doubt focus on the defensive side of the ball. Regarding the talents and abilities of Odrick himself, I asked him about the best part of his game, “I hate this question. I let people decide that for me. I just try to be a smart player. If you’re a smart player than you can play faster, more efficient and that’s really what I want to try and do,” Odrick said.

To read the complete profile and exclusive of Odrick click here

27. San Diego Chargers Brandon Spikes LB Florida

They’ll be questions a plenty about Spikes’ character, but no one doubts his ability. And he’ll probably end up wowing scouts at the combine with his measurables too. He’s the most impressive physical specimen to come out of the University of Florida since Erin Andrews.

For more on Erin Andrews click here

28. Philadelphia Eagles Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech,

This is a very deep DE draft, and Morgan is the most athletic of the bunch. He was probably the most dominant defensive player in the ACC this year. Yet I’m sure Philadelphia Eagles fans who read this mock draft will probably hate this pick and also voice that criticism. It seems like Eagles fans dislike our mock draft more than the fans of any other team.

29. Cincinnati Bengals CJ Spiller RB Clemson

The Bengals might have scared Cedric Benson straight, as he’s putting up a Pro Bowl year; perhaps because he realized this would be his last chance? But what the depth behind him? Is Cedric the entertainer a long term solution? Spiller’s a fast runner built on a solid frame. His outside running game and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is where he’ll make his mark, but he’s not afraid to go right at a defender. He’s a balanced runner, who mixes good North-South inertia with high elusiveness.

30. Minnesota Vikings Patrick Robinson CB Florida State

Robinson is a super fast coverage man that is above average in nearly every aspect of the game. He anticipates routes but isn’t a huge risk taker and tackles well in the open field. He is also a very good return man.

To see the Minnesota Vikings All-Decade team, click here

For more Vikings coverage click here

31. New Orleans Saints Jon Asamoah OG Illinois

Asamoah has been a three year starter for the Illini, and the OL has been a very strong unit for almost all of that time. Mel Kiper ranks Asamoah one of the top three Guards in his class, probably because of the great push and solid footwork the junior has shown all year in the Big Ten. The Saints aren’t perfect (as Dallas taught us) and they could use some depth on the OL. More so at Tackle than Guard, but this would could be a great value pick for them.

To read an in-depth profile/exclusive of Asamoah click here.

32. Indianapolis Colts Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia

The Chesapeake, Va., native showed his NFL speed and coverage skills this season as he anchored a pass defense that was amongst the best in the ACC, and the nation in a few key statistical categories.

Just Missed: Brandon LaFell WR LSU,  Mike Iupati G Idaho, Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma, Trevard Lindley CB Kentucky

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