NFL Mock Draft 4-8

By Paul M. Banks and Peter Christian

To see the Second Round of this Mock Draft go here. AND HERE’S OUR INITIAL Round 3

This week all the sports blogs buzzed about the story of Tiki Barber leaving his pregnant wife for 23 year-old hottie intern Tracy Lynn Johnson. But we wary of what you read about it and what you search for on Google in relation to it! Read more about the threats related to TLJ links here

NFL Team Needs listing

NFL Draft Big Board

As always, you can check out my College Football and NFL blogs on the Washington Times.com by clicking the hyperlinked text.

For our NBA Mock Draft click here

Team Player Position School

1. St. Louis Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma

Injuries aside, Bradford still seems like the safest signal-caller choice to make in a very weak QB class. Bradford only solidified that status even further by showing up at the combine with added muscle weight- therefore alleviating concerns that he may be brittle and injury prone. And once the buzz started, rumors abounded that this is the direction the Rams will go. Then he had a pro day Monday that was bigger than Jesus and now it’s etched in stone: Bradford #1. And the fact that pictures of Bradford with Hooters Girls at a Super Bowl party are all over the net can’t hurt, right?

2.Detroit Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State

Let’s face it- the Lions are to losing and having high draft picks what Michigan St. Coach Tom Izzo is to winning basketball games in March. (for more inspirational Michigan sporting news, read this exclusive I did with former Lions Head Coach Steve Maricucci by clicking here.

Lions have already addressed their DL needs this offseason, they have a franchise QB in Matthew Stafford,  so now it’s time to protect him. Okung, who combines all his physical gifts with a high football IQ; making him the perfect pick that this spot. You know who else has a lot of physical gifts? But probably has a low football IQ? Rebecca Grant: that annoying, but hot Verizon spokeswoman who kept showing up during playoff commercial breaks.

For more on Rebecca Grant go here

3. Tampa Bay  Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska

The Bucs rushing defense (or should I say lack thereof) is exceedingly apparent, so they’ll need help stuffing the run.

Value wise, this is the best player available in the draft HANDS DOWN! But team needs are team needs. Suh, who seems to spend most of his playing time in opponents’ backfields, is impossible to pass up. After the Big 12 title 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.” In other words, the Bucs will benefit from the Rams’ questionable decision making and the Lions desire to go elsewhere.

For an interview/profile of Suh, click here.

4. Washington Bruce Campbell OT Maryland

The Skins spent all of 2008 under-mining Jason Campbell’s confidence, and they spent much of 2009 giving him a vote of no confidence. Zorn is gone, time for change at QB too. After all Zorn was a bigger bust than Jenn “FSU Cowgirl” Sterger. (well, Sterger before she had her implants removed). The Skins now have a QB in Donovan McNabb, so they will actually enter the race for the 2010 NFC East division title this fall. And since they won’t be drafting a quarterback now, they need someone to protect him

Among OTs, Campbell owned this combine. Wowing the scouts in every relevant category and sending his stock up like…sorry I don’t have an actual stock to finish that analogy with  because the real stock market has been so awful since ’08. Anyways, Campbell won’t have far to go as he begins his professional career.

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

For new pics of Ms. Sterger, post implants, go here

To hear about her new show on Versus, and why you should watch it go here

5. Kansas City Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa

Well now that they have Charlie Weiss as coordinator, the offense will just fix itself right? Ok, I couldn’t keep a straight face either as I typed that. The Chiefs number one need is OT, and they’ll get the best one available this draft in Bulaga, a.k.a. “The White Buffalo”, 6-5 314 monster from the far northwest suburbs of Chicago. This is essentially shaping up to be “the offensive tackle draft” (yeah, so sexy I know) like 1983 was “the quarterback draft.” Bulaga is the best potential pro from last year’s Iowa BCS team, also known as the least exciting and interesting 9-0 team in BCS history

For more on all the talented OTs in this draft click here

6. Seattle  Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma

Another one of those picks that just seems to be etched in stone, McCoy is a pillar of strength that can dominate from the center of the field, and is very agile for a guy just shy of 300 pounds. Their d line needs effective space fillers and McCoy is the real thing.

7. Cleveland Eric Berry S Tennessee

The Browns secondary was HORRENDOUS last year. Enter Eric Berry, 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. BTW, I wonder if Berry will be recruited by NFL teams in the same manner that he was possibly wooed in high school?

(For more on the hotties hired by the Univ. of Tennessee to assist recruiting efforts, click here)

8. Oakland Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame

Clausen is an annoying, immature entitled brat with off-the-field issues. Or at least so he appears, perhaps he’s just misunderstood. We’ll explore the depths of his character later. But if he is an alcoholic troublemaker, as some regard him to be, where else would be go but Oakland? The Raiders are a haven for these sort of embattled characters with character questions (Jeff George, Todd Marinovich anyone? and that’s just the QBs that come to mind)

You may not agree with this pick, but it does make perfect sense given that Clausen could be the most NFL ready QB in this draft too. But that’s a double-edged sword: he’s the most NFL ready prospect now, but many teams believe he has no more potential upside long-term.

This is what I call the “Rashard Mendenhall rule” (when scouts and other football cognoscenti over-analyze prospects to the point that they make absolutely no sense…with Mendenhall it was “he’s had so few carries that his best football is still ahead of him” and “he only started for one season, so he’s unproven”…well which one is it douchebags? Clausen’s stock is going through the same thing this spring).

Simply put, Bruce Gradkowski is not that healthy and not that talented. And JaMarcus Russell is a big fat-ass bust. So they need a QB and there’s a reason I had Al Davis making this pick from December-February. Even though Clausen wasn’t some other-worldly combine monster or possess a crazy fast 40 time; which we all know are the things that make the “Tales from the Crypt” keeper (whoops I meant to say Al Davis, sorry I get those two confused)

For an exploration and analysis of Clausen’s personal character click here

For more on Clausen’s off-the-field “incidents” click here

9. Buffalo Trent Williams OT Oklahoma

Williams, like Okung, has good feet, strong hands and the talent to become elite in the NFL. He had a decent but not great combine, and Campbell really shot past him on the charts during that week.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars  Joe Haden CB Florida

Right now Haden’s draft stock is hotter than Megan Fox. Well, it was actually hotter before the combine, but he redeemed himself at the UF pro day with a 4.43. He’s at the top of the board amongst corners regarding solid coverage and ball skills. His 4.58 40 at the combine was due to a really bad back sprain. He redeemed himself with since then. Haden makes good reads and adjusts well to the ball when it’s in the air. I would also say that Haden plays well “in space”. But I can’t stand that expression. It’s the worst NFL Draft cliche and it sounds like it should be describing Futurama, Issac Asimov or Buck Rodgers’ draft profile….IN SPAAAACCEEEE”

For more on where I predict each Florida Gator will get drafted go here

I still think Jax will draft Tebow, just not until the third or fourth round, for more on that go here.….and here

11. Denver Broncos (From the Chicago Bears) Dan Williams NT Tennessee

The Broncos could use an excellent 3-4 DT with the Bears pick. And Williams had about as good a Senior Bowl week as anybody. Williams was already projected very high, but he made himself even more money this week. Like Busta Rhymes said: “even though we making money, you can gimme some more!”

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2ND ANNUAL TSB BRACKET OF DOUCHEBAG CHAMPIONS:

THE CHICAGO BEARS MEDIA RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

For the reasons why they won this coveted trophy click here

Also, in our first ever Douchebracket NIT, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal took home the big prize! Click here for why

12. Miami Dolphins Rolando McClain LB Alabama

Miami has front seven needs, at multiple positions. So it would behoove them to add a fast-rising prospect like McClain, an amazing tackler that 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. When you hear his name, you might first think of the protagonist from the “Die Hard” film series. He certainly has the same toughness and will to fight.

For an interview/profile of McClain, click here

13. San Francisco 49ers Charles Brown OT USC

Frisco needs a true right tackle and Brown will be the best available Brown, who often draws comparisons to Maurice Williams, was listed at No. 8 on Rivals.com offensive tackle power rankings. He was named first team All American by Sporting News, won the Morris Trophy, and was All Pac-10 as a senior.

Another cool link you need to check out by clicking here- my exclusive I just did a couple days ago with former 49ers Head Coach Steve Mariucci. I caught up to him in the Michigan St. locker room following the Spartans’ big Elite 8 win.

14. Seattle (From Denver) CJ Spiller RB Clemson

Neither Julius Jones, Justin Forsett or Louis Rankin come anywhere close to resembling a franchise caliber running back. 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. He also ran the fastest 40 of any back at the combine, and as Lou Holtz once famously said “speed is important at the tailback position.”

15. NY Giants 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. He also played in the shadows of 2009 NFL draftees Michael Johnson, Darryl Richard and Vance Walker the past two seasons, so he should be seasoned like Lawry’s once the draft process begins. Which will no doubt help his stock. If this pick doesn’t make sense at first, consider 1.) New York GM Jerry Reese is (with possible exception to Packers’ boss Ted Thompson) the biggest “value GM” in the NFL when it it comes to the draft. 2.) Osi Umenyiora wants out of Gotham.

This week all the sports blogs buzzed about the story of Tiki Barber leaving his pregnant wife for 23 year-old hottie intern Tracy Lynn Johnson. But we wary of what you read about it and what you search for on Google in relation to it! Read more about the threats related to TLJ links here

For more on all the talented DEs in this draft class go here

16. Tennessee  Earl Thomas S Texas

Thomas, joins Sapp and Haden as the hottest prospects that scouts are talking about a LOT these days. You’ll find all three names moving up draft big boards everywhere. Thomas, the man who wore Colt McCoy’s number on defense at Texas, is a phenomenal play-maker with hitting ability and closing speed.

To read a profile/interview of Thomas click here

17. San Francisco (From Carolina) Jason Pierre-Paul DE South Florida

JPP has shot up the charts because of his ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. The Evil Empire’s Todd McShay has him as the 5th overall pick- but that’s a bit aggressive. The 6-6 260 lb junior has an explosive burst, and he registered 6.5 sacks and 16.5 TFLs last season. This is an EXTREMELY deep draft at the Defensive End position, so you really can’t go wrong by picking any of the 6-7 top prospects that will likely land in the first round.

18. Pittsburgh Everson Griffen DE USC

Griffen’s stock has been rising due to his fantastic size and great bullrush speed. He might even find himself fitting in as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. Griffen has the ability to effectively speedrush, use quick inside moves, spin moves or just rush standing up at times.

And if you’re interested in the Ben Roethlisberger sexual assault case, and I’m assuming you are then you might want to read about the latest update involving his second accuser by clicking here.

19. Atlanta Brandon Graham DE Michigan

Since October, when the injury bug bit the Falcons’ secondary, the Falcons’ pass defense started resembling the no-show secondary of the mid to late 90s (You know, right after Deion $anders and Tim McKyer left). Now opposing receivers are burning Atlanta worse than General Sherman in the Civil War. So I think they’ll improve the pass rush in round one, the secondary in round 2 and 3. Given their solid young nucleus, and a new augmented pass D, I could really see them being a good team in 2010, and perhaps a great team in 2011.

That is- if there is a NFL season in 2011?

Graham has a lot of what you look for in an End, but this class is loaded at that position. The 2010 draft will be to defensive ends what white women are to wearing giant, over-sized sunglasses. However, Graham’s Senior Bowl- two sacks, forced fumble, MVP performance, looking pretty much unblockable, makes him potentially a 1st round lock.

20. Houston Taylor Mays S USC

Mays absolutely killed his own draft stock during Senior Bowl week, but redeemed himself at the combine, where he displayed his ridonkulous speed, and athleticism. The Texans have a solid offense, so they’ll no doubt draft for defense.

21. Cincinnati  Mike Iupati OG/OT Idaho

Iupati (not to be confused with IUPUI) could fit well into the Bengals system. he had a lackluster Senior Bowl week, but his skills still figure to translate well on the next level. Cedric Benson would love this pick- if he pays attention to NFL mock drafts.

22. New England Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma

Rumors are abound that the Patriots may let Ben Watson go, instead of over-paying for him. Gresham is the next best thing possible!

23. Green Bay Anthony Davis OT Rutgers

As you might have heard, the Pack’s OL was anywhere from terrible to just plain bad this past season. Now they’re GB will get a huge boost in their ability to run and pass protect when they take Davis, one of the best OL prospects in this class, although he obviously saw his stock drop significantly at the combine.

At 3 bills and a quarter he’s much bigger than your industry standard OT prospect. He’s also got a huge wingspan, and his ability to run block makes him special. His conditioning is a concern though, and if he looks bad at the combine he could fall back into the 2nd round or lower.

For more Packers coverage click here

24. Philadelphia Kyle Wilson CB Boise St.

More value than needs based pick here as Wilson may not even last this long. Of course, Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown aren’t going to be Philly’s starting corners forever. And that future could begin much sooner than expected. Not to mention that their depth at the position isn’t the greatest. Yes, the Eagles have bigger needs, but I think all the elite DEs on their radar will be gone by this point.

25. Baltimore Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State

Until acquiring Anquan Boldin 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.” Bryant’s off-the-field issues don’t seem to have affected his draft stock. And that stock will certainly rise when the combine hits and scouts see his measurables manifest; which will no doubt complement and verify his impressive physical attributes.

26. Arizona Carlos Dunlap DE Florida

The Arizona Cardinals badly need to upgrade their 29th ranked pass defense. Getting more pressure consistently via and End with Dunlap’s amazing physical gifts would help. Obviously that little DUI/falling asleep at the wheel snafu hurt his stock, but his pass-rushing skills and explosiveness will get him noticed. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the best combine, and he generated a couple more red flags (depending on who you talk to). Still, he’ll be a good value here, and maybe he can stay out of trouble out in the desert. I recently traveled to Phoenix- it’s boring! Likely won’t be much to distract Dunlap there.

For more on where I predict each Florida Gator will get drafted go here

27. Dallas Sean Witherspoon LB Missouri

Jerry Jones’ team could use some more size in the back seven. One thing that is already big enough is Jones’ ego. Witherspoon had a FANTASTIC Senior Bowl week and he will make a good fit, a versatile, athletic, and high football IQ guy like Witherspoon is a best case scenario for then when their pick comes around. But of course, there will be some character concerns about Witherspoon (and some are valid) given his brash me-first personality he displayed at the combine. The again, this is Dallas and everything is bigger in Texas, including a player’s self-esteem.

28. San Diego Ryan Mathews RB Fresno St

With LT gone upgrading the depth at tailback is a must. Mathews would be perfect. His running style has been described as many things: elusive, balanced, powerful, even, consistent, reliable, Fergalicious…well maybe not that last one.

For an in-depth profile, exclusive interview of Mathews click here

29. NY Jets Arrelious Benn WR Illinois

All season long, people (in my opinion rightfully) believed the Jets won consistently in spite of Mark Sanchez, not because of him. Maybe more weapons is all he needs to prove naysayers like me wrong. Arrelious, or “Rejus” as he’s sometimes called, ran a 4.48 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?

And his combine was IMPRESSIVE! Showing strength, speed and agility.

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 his final collegiate game? It was a thing of beauty; like ESPN’s Jenn Brown.

UPDATE: new look for Jenn Brown and bikini pics! Click here

30. Minnesota Maurkice Pouncey G/C Florida

Pouncy can play two positions in the NFL and he has good character, work ethic and strong intangibles. He’ll give the ViQueens the added protection they need for their QB. I would have said “they need for Favre”. But I’m sure he’ll change his mind and retire and un-retire at least 12 times before the season starts.

For more on where I predict each Florida Gator will get drafted go here

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

31. Indianapolis  Jerry Hughes DE/OLB TCU

This doesn’t exactly fill the Colts’ biggest position of need, but a fast-rising prospect like Hughes who can play at different spots, would be too good to pass up. He has many abilities including what he brings to the Dolphins’ pass rushing table. He could even make a good understudy for the all-world Dwight Freeney.

32. New Orleans Brian Price DT UCLA

New Orleans could use some help stuffing the run by beefing up their DT rotation. Price is one of the best D tackles available in the class of 2010. He had 48 tackles last season and a whopping 23.5 tackles for loss. He also added 7 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. Scouts also love his measurables.

As always, you can check out my College Football and NFL blogs on the Washington Times.com by clicking the hyperlinked text.

FOR ROUND 3 GO HERE

TO READ THE SECOND ROUND OF THE NFL MOCK DRAFT CLICK HERE

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For our NBA Mock Draft click here