DraftNasty.com Final Mock Draft

Although the debate remains at DraftNasty as to who is the best quarterback prospect, many of us fell like the best pick for the St. Louis Rams would be Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy. Sam Bradford seems to be the logical choice for a team in need of a QB, but is he really worth the top dollar. Don’t be surprised if McCoy or Suh comes off the board here and the Rams wait until the 33rd pick to select a guy like Colt McCoy.

Prior to the NFL Combine, there were controversial discussion topics of Suh and McCoy being selected one and two in this year’s draft. Sticking with that theory, we believe Ndamukong Suh's longevity as an NFL player is what the Detroit Lions could use to revive its franchise. If Suh comes off the board at pick one expect the versatile Gerald McCoy to be selected here with the number two pick.

As our consensus pick, Gerald McCoy would be a great addition to a defense that was 32nd in the league against the run last season. A ball hawking safety like Eric Berry could be a huge bonus at pick three to play alongside veteran Ronde Barber and second year CB Aqib Talib. 

With the addition of QB Donavan McNabb, going after a QB in the first round should no longer exist. One thing is for certain, they will need to protect the veteran, especially after Chris Samuels announced his retirement. Okung, Davis, or Williams are suitable contenders for the OT position, depending on which one you like best. While many could say C.J. Spiller doesn’t fit in with the Redskins, remember Clinton Portis, Willie Parker, and Larry Johnson played their best days of football from 2006-2008.

There is no doubt if Eric Berry is still on the board at this point he’s the guy. Berry brings great overall playmaking ability to a mediocre secondary that struggled to come up with the interceptions on the back end of the defense. Brandon Albert yet remains unstable at LT and could be pushed to the right side if Davis or Okung is drafted here.

With the talk retirement for LT Walter Jones, Coach Pete Carroll will need to address the needs of this position early. Former Oklahoma standout Trent Williams is a reliable and safe pick for the Seahawks. Although the Seahawks could use some help off the edge and a durable RB, they can afford to wait until picks 14 and 40 to meet their needs.

The Browns have a strong need to address all four of their secondary positions. Earl Thomas’ impressive 4.35 speed and playmaking ability in the secondary could be a two-for-one deal if the former Longhorn is taken. The value of a player like this is special counting that he can remain on the field at all times. Also with the departure of Brady Quinn, this does raise questions about Jimmy Clausen now becoming an option for the Browns. Dez Bryant could definitely add some excitement to a receiving core that consisted of 2 rookies last season (Massaquoi /Robiske). Even with the emergence of Jerome Harrison, Ryan Matthews could be in the mix to start if Cleveland takes a RB.

Everyone will be anxious to see what Al Davis does with his number one pick. The Raiders offense was rated one of lowest in the NFL, and a lot came from the inconsistency at OT. While Davis’ last few first round picks have came on the offensive side of the ball, expect for Coach Tom Cable to play a major role when drafting an OT like Anthony Davis to protect the QB's blindside. Dez Bryant could be too good to pass up especially if Davis recaps the season of last year’s first round pick Darrius Hayward-Bay.

While it’s only fitting for the Bills to take Bryan Bulaga to fit their identity, the new 3-4 defense could send the Bills another direction with this pick. With the name of Jerry Hughes coming up in our mock draft, this pick seems sensible to build a defense off of a legitimate 3-4 OLB. If Bradford isn’t selected number one overall, this is the next team likely to take him before he slips into the second round.

All the talk that has been surrounding the Jaguars taking Tim Tebow to increase ticket sales and marketing was a great idea. But there is another player from the sunshine state that is no stranger to making big plays any time he touches the football. For much of his career, C.J. Spiller has shared time in the backfield at Clemson, similar to what he could do with the Jaguars. Spiller brings excitement and a vital option out of the backfield as a receiver. Spiller’s value could be most certain as a returner, something the Jaguars have lacked since the start of the franchise. DE is a must need for this ball club. Quinton Groves and Derrick Harvey haven’t lived up to their expectations since their arrival in 2008. Perhaps Brandon Graham or Derrick Morgan could re-energize their pass rush.

Although he is a one-year wonder, Pierre-Paul’s freakish ability is amazing. His ability to rush the passer as well as drop into coverage makes him a more valuable pick considering the positions they really need to address. It seems as if the Broncos are making a home for former Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant. With WR Brandon Marshall and TE Tony Scheffler gone, Bryant could be inviting fans to join the Mile High Club after Thursday’s draft.

Everyone knows Bill Parcells loves the guys in the trenches. This is where Dan Williams could come off the board earlier than expected. Williams has superb athleticism as a 0 technique and could eventually draw double teams early in his career.  Also with the recent release of Jason Taylor and signing of Karlos Dansby to an OLB contract, former Alabama LB Rolando McClain could be a perfect fit to relieve Channing Crowder, who has durability concerns.

CB and OT are the two biggest concerns for Mike Singletary in the first round. With two picks in the first round, the 49ers will need to decide what their most important need is at pick 13. CB Kyle Wilson has been a name thrown around often here at DraftNasty and could come off the board here, despite being rated lower than Patrick Robinson and Devin McCourty on our position board. An OT is a possibility at this pick.

Seattle’s inability to get to the QB last season was treacherous. We feel they can address this with 2009 ACC DPOY Derrick Morgan. Morgan is a strong defender that can play both the run and the pass well. He has a great pass rush repertoire and a relentless motor to get to the QB. If Seattle does any reaching at this pick, it will be to get a RB. Ryan Matthews would give them an effective and reliable RB in between the tackles.

With the release of Antonio Pierce, Tom Coughlin will be looking for a new face to lead his defense. If Rolando McClain still remains on the board, the Giants could be his new home. If McClain comes off the board before this pick, they could get a sleeper in Daryl Washington or address an aging DT position.

With both Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse on the free agent market, the Titans are most likely to select a DE at this pick. Everson Griffin is an impressive specimen and could benefit from playing opposite of Vanden Bosch if he is re-signed. If Griffin is unavailable, Pierre-Paul is also an option. To bring up a valid point from one of our correspondents, the recent non-success of the Titans pass rush could be the departure of Albert Haynesworth. Expect for Brian Price’s name to come up in the mix here for potential candidates at the DT position.

If the 49ers addressed an OT or CB at pick 13, they will do the opposite with this pick. When drafting a CB, there a few names could be thrown into the hat such as: Patrick Robinson, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, and even Chris Cook who could climb the boards on draft day.

As our number one OG, Mike Iupati could be called upon to provide an inside presence for a team that has always been known for its physical running style. NT Casey Hampton could likely be out of the black and gold after next season due to free agency and age. With Mike Tomlin’s belief that defense wins championships, searching for a NT in the first round is a reality. After drafting two CBs last year (Keenan Lewis/Joe Burnett), the Steelers could postpone getting a CB until the 2nd round. If not, Kyle Wilson and Devin McCourty are two physical CB to fit into the Steelers organization.

Our third rated DE Brandon Graham could come off the board at pick 19. John Abraham’s age could be catching up to his body after performing poorly most of last season. Graham could be developed by the veteran as the season goes along and eventually end up starting by the end of his rookie year. Last season, the Falcons LBs struggled in pass coverage, particularly on the perimeter. Sean Weatherspoon has good athleticism and football savvy to be an instant playmaker at this pick.

With the departure of Dunta Robinson, the Houston Texans will be looking to solidify this position early. Devin McCourty would be a shoe-in here if both Patrick Robinson and Kyle Wilson are off the board. McCourty is a physical corner that has good ball and coverage skills. He is also a playmaker on special teams.  The Texans are in need of a workhorse at RB. Ryan Matthews could be the answer to give them a back that can shoulder nearly 90 percent of the carries.

 Red flags about Jermaine Gresham’s medical history could easily drop him into the second round. After performing well in his off-season workouts, Gresham could provide a middle of the field vertical threat for newly acquired Antonio Bryant and Chad Ochocinco.

In our second mock draft, we had the Patriots selecting Ryan Matthews to solidify a sputtering running game that doesn’t have a featured back. In our latest war room discussion, the majority ruled Tim Tebow could be the surprise pick here for New England. While many will dispute Tebow’s inability as a pure NFL QB, Coach Bill Belichick is always searching for new dimensions and great leaders to lead his offense. Tebow’s ability as a wildcat QB will be great, but best of all he could be developed over time similar to Matt Cassell. Bottom line is they need a feature player to be the face of the franchise in years to come. Sergio Kindle appears to be the well deserving pick according to three of our correspondents. With Kindle’s explosiveness and versatility, he could be a day-one starter for a Patriots team who lacks the depth at this position.

We all agree the Packers will select a CB, but the question is which one? Charles Woodson is coming off of a career year on one side, but the other CB position is questionable. Al Harris will be back in action after a torn ACL that sidelined him in 2009. With both CBs over the age of 32, there is no longevity at this position. If Patrick Robinson is still around, expect for the Packers to take a player from the ACC in back-to-back years. After talks of Joe Haden being a top 10 pick, his disappointing time at the combine can’t be overlooked. Haden could provide depth and could serve as a nickel CB early in his career. Kareem Jackson is another prospect that keeps making his way up the boards and fits the persona of the Packers defense.

The consensus pick here is Carlos Dunlap, a young and fruitful DE that can be used in multiple blitz packages in Sean McDermott’s defense. Dunlap will be a great three down lineman, something that has been missing opposite of Trent Cole. With Sheldon Brown being shipped off to Cleveland, both the CB/S positions are questionable. If Kyle Wilson is still on the boards during this time, Andy Reed could go this direction and look to pick up a guy like Larry Hart in the second or third round.

For years, Raven fans have been begging the franchise to draft a big man in the middle to free up future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Brian Price is an explosive two gap defender that could require much needed attention. Obviously, if Dan Williams is still around, he would be the better pick, according to our Big Board. Lardarius Webb has solidified himself at one CB spot, but the other CB spot was shaky last season. Selecting a CB is a strong possibility at this pick. With Todd Heap and his share of injuries, the Ravens could ponder on the idea of taking Jermaine Gresham.

The Cardinals are in need of an edge rusher from the OLB position. Although the team’s sack total was far from bad, there were times when they failed to get any pressure on the QB. Darnell Dockett is more of an inside rusher, while Calais Campbell has finally taken advantage of his length to disrupt the timing of QBs. Jerry Hughes would be a great choice in this situation; after all, he has already given fans a glimpse of his talent with his performance at the Tortoise’s Fiesta Bowl. DE Everson Griffin could be a suitable player here, but they could wait to take a more experienced five technique in the later rounds. With Anquan Boldin gone, the trio of Fitzgerald, Breaston, and Doucet could use a big target to take some of the load off of them. Jermaine Gresham would be a value pick to help stretch the field for these dynamic receivers.

Jerry Jones proved to the nation last summer his desperation for a WR, CB, or S with the hit series of Michael Irvin’s TV Show 4th and Long. With the unfavorable trade of Roy Williams, the Cowboys could use a dynamic player like Dez Bryant, if he falls this far in the draft.  OT is a much needed position for the Cowboys, and with Charles Brown still on the board, the Cowboys could select the former USC standout. If guys like Bulaga, Davis, and Campbell are available they are most likely to be selected before Brown.

With LaDainian Tomilson gone, questions about Darren Sproles carrying the load for an entire season remain. We know many will say, “Best is a similar RB to Sporles,” but remember the Chargers utilize their backs as receivers as well. The NT and DE position remain unstable, especially when defending the run. Selecting a player like Tyson Alualu out of California could be a bonus to the Chargers defensive front.  His versatility to play both inside and outside could eliminate having to select players for both positions in this year’s draft. Pierre-Paul wouldn’t be a fit here, simply because of an overload at the OLB position.

The Jets recently acquired sack specialist Jason Taylor to help a defense that struggled to reach the QB last season. Vernon Gholston has been an instant bust, with no sacks in the last two seasons. Calvin Pace hasn’t been overly dominant either but impressive despite leading the Jets in sacks last season. With the idea of Kindle and Taylor coming off the edge, opposing QBs will be looking to get rid of the ball much faster this season. With Pro-Bowler Alan Fanaca aging, and a star-studded rookie performance from Mark Sanchez, the Jets may feel the need to keep him healthy in the years to come. Mike Iupati could be an instant starter on the right side before switching to the left side when Fanaca retires.

For the third consecutive year, Brett Favre is dictating a pick in this year’s draft. Here at DraftNasty, we say the trend stops with the Vikings selecting Colt McCoy. One of our correspondents even has Jimmy Clausen going in this spot. The two positions the Vikings need to address are S and OG. Maurkice Pouncey is a safe pick for the Vikings, and safety Taylor Mays could provide an immediate physical presence at one of the safety positions that only came up with one interception last season.

Maurkice Pouncey could be an interesting prospect to pave the way for Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, and Mike Hart. The Colts will also need to find someone in the middle, either at DT or MLB. CB Joe Haden could be a prize draft choice, but his need to start won’t be necessary in his rookie season.

While the majority may vote for Sean Weatherspoon to solidify the first round, one of our draft correspondents realized their need for a DE. Will Smith is stable on one side, but a young pass rusher is a possibility at the 32nd pick, even with the newly acquired Alex Brown. With Scott Fuijita on the free agent market, Sean Weatherspoon provides the best all-around talent to lock down the OLB spot for the defending Super Bowl Champions.