| Pick | Team | Pos | Player | School |
|---|
| 1 | St. Louis Rams | QB | Sam Bradford | Oklahoma |
| After posting just 6 wins the past three seasons and passing on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez in the past two drafts the time was right to draft a franchise quarterback. Sam Bradford has the physical tools, leadership skills and personality to develop into a franchise signal caller who can energize the fan base. Scheme will be the most important part of his development as he does not have experience playing in a pro style offense. As a result, the Rams should consider going to a modified spread attack similar to New England, Denver and Green Bay to maximize his skills and ease his transition to the pro game. Ultimately, how quickly the Rams sign Bradford will determine whether he can play this year or will need to take a redshirt year. Has a high ceiling but durability and his spread background make this a bit of a boom-bust pick. |
| 2 | Detroit Lions | DT | Ndamukong Suh | Nebraska |
| Ndamukong Suh was the best player in the 2010 draft and will serve as the foundation for a rebuilding Lion defense. Suh is an elite talent with the size, strength, athleticism and football instincts to develop into a Pro Bowl defensive tackle and jumpstart the Lion defense's resurgence. The additions of Corey Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch will help take pressure off of Suh and put him in the best position to succeed. Defensive tackles do not have a great track record when selected in the top 5 but Suh is as close to a sure thing as you will find at the position. |
| 3 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | DT | Gerald McCoy | Oklahoma |
| Gerald McCoy is a one gap penetrator who is an ideal fit for the Bucs Tampa 2 scheme. He fills their top positional need by providing a disruptor in the middle of the defense who demands double teams. The combination of McCoy, 2nd rounder Brian Price and 2009 draftee Roy Miller gives the defensive interior a makeover which should improve both the run and pass defense. He also demonstrates good character and should be a leader on and off the field. |
| 4 | Washington Redskins | OT | Trent Williams | Oklahoma |
| Trent Williams has great athleticism and is a good fit for Mike Shanahan's zone blocking scheme. He possesses a high ceiling and the Redskins are expecting him to start right away at left tackle, a position where he struggled in 2009. As a run blocker Williams will be huge upgrade to the Washington offensive line but the success of this pick will ultimately depend on whether Williams is able to prove he is capable of becoming a blindside protector. |
| 5 | Kansas City Chiefs | S | Eric Berry | Tennessee |
| Eric Berry is one of the top players in the 2010 draft and fills the Chiefs need for playmaker/difference maker on the defensive side of the ball. He has the versatility to be a centerfielder, play in the box or cover a slot receiver in man coverage. Many were expecting the Chiefs to take an offensive tackle especially with Russell Okung on the board but the Chiefs felt Berry's upside as an Ed Reed-type difference maker was too good to pass up for a team needing talent on both sides of the football. |
| 6 | Seattle Seahawks | OT | Russell Okung | Oklahoma St. |
| Russell Okung fills the team's need for a left tackle to replace Walter Jones. He was the draft's top offensive tackle and has the same elite skillset possessed by former top 5 picks Jake Long and Joe Thomas. He is the dominant pass protector and physical run blocker Seattle has been lacking with Walter Jones sidelined much of the past two seasons. In 2007 Seattle made the playoffs. With Walter Jones playing just 4 games in 2008 and 2009 Seattle was a combined 9-23. By filling their left tackle need here the Seahawks were positioned to use the best player available theory in the later rounds which played a key role in allowing the Seahawks to acquire one of the most heralded draft classes. |
| 7 | Cleveland Browns | CB | Joe Haden | Florida |
| Trapped in a difficult spot with Eric Berry off the board, the Browns filled a need at cornerback with Joe Haden. He was the top corner in this year's draft and will provide the Browns with an instinctive physical presence at corner. Haden will combine Sheldon Brown and Eric Wright to upgrade the Browns secondary and allow them to dial up their blitz packages to disquise the team's lack of an elite pass rusher. |
| 8 | Oakland Raiders | ILB | Rolando McClain | Alabama |
| Rolando McClain is the best middle linebacker to enter the draft since Patrick Willis in 2007. At 6-4 250lbs he will be a force in the middle and a matchup nightmare for most guards. One of the biggest impacts McClain will have is in the locker room. He lives in the film room and provides a quarterback for the defense. This was a surprise selection by the Raiders because McClain is tremendous football player and not just a great athlete with raw talent. |
| 9 | Buffalo Bills | RB | C.J. Spiller | Clemson |
| Spiller is a tremendous talent but one has to question this selection given the team's needs at quarterback and offensive tackle. He is the top playmaker in this year's draft and the Bills are banking on him taking pressure off of the quarterback and offensive line with his ability to make big plays on the ground and after the catch. It is hard to argue the Bills adding a player of Spiller's caliber but the bigger surprise may have been that they waited until round five to fill their most pressing offensive need (offensive tackle). |
| 10 | Jacksonville Jaguars | DT | Tyson Alualu | California |
| The Jaguars selection Tyson Alualu was arguably the biggest reach of the first round especially when you consider how much top 10 picks get paid. The reach was magnified by Denver and Miami trading down right after them for later 1st rounder and extra day two selections. Even though Tyson Alualu was a reach at tenth overall, he is an athletic penetrator with a good work ethic for a defensive line getting a major facelift. His penetrating style will also be a good complement to run stuffer Terrance Knighton. |
| 11 | San Francisco 49ers
(from Bears via Broncos) | OT | Anthony Davis | Rutgers |
| The selection of Anthony Davis fills the 49ers need at offensive tackle. He has work ethic concerns but possesses the physical tools and footwork to be one of the top two tackles in this year's draft. He would be an ideal fit at left tackle but may spend his rookie year at right tackle. As for the work ethic concerns the Niners are expecting hard driving Mike Singletary to get him to maximize his potential. Alex Smith was rarely able to step up into the pocket in 2009 and that should change this year thanks to this selection. Having two quality bookend tackles is a key to any quarterbacks success. |
| 12 | San Diego Chargers
(from Dolphins) | RB | Ryan Mathews | Fresno St. |
| Ryan Mathews is an ideal scheme fit for San Diego as a replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson. He runs well inside and outside plus he is an underrated receiver. The Chargers failed in the playoffs against the Steelers in 2008 and Jets in 2009 in large part due to their inability to sustain drives with a power running game. The Chargers paid a hefty price to trade up to make this pick, but given the dearth of every down backs in this year's draft felt it was worth it. The Chargers are banking on Mathews being the final piece in the puzzle that puts them over the top. |
| 13 | Philadelphia Eagles
(from 49ers via Broncos) | 34LB/DE | Brandon Graham | Michigan |
| The Eagles added a trench warrior in the Andy Reid mold while filling their need for a defensive end with the selection of Brandon Graham. He lacks ideal size but has a non-stop motor and is a dynamic pass rusher in the Dwight Freeney mold. His value goes beyond being a one dimensional pass rusher as Graham is factor against the run as witnessed by his 26 TFL in 2009. His abilities against the run and pass may limit the need to blitz as often as the Eagles have in the past thus cutting down on the number big plays they give up. |
| 14 | Seattle Seahawks
(from Broncos) | S | Earl Thomas | Texas |
| The Seahawks were surprised to see Earl Thomas still on the board especially after Philadelphia trade in front of them. Like the earlier selection of Russell Okung, the Seahawks were able to stand pat and land one of the top players on their board and fill a major need. The Seahawks ranked 30th in passing defense in 2009 and needed a playmaker in the secondary who can force turnovers. Earl Thomas is a classic "centerfield" type safety with tremendous range and ball skills. He also has the ability to cover slot receivers on 3rd down. Arguably the best value pick of round one. |
| 15 | New York Giants | 34LB/DE | Jason Pierre-Paul | South Fla. |
| With Rolando McClain off the board, the Giants take Jason Pierre-Paul who is one of the most physically gifted players in the draft. Pierre-Paul has the upside upside to be a draft's most dynamic pass rusher but he is extremely raw. The Giants depth at the position will provide an opportunity for him to develop as a situational pass rusher first. With only one year of Division I college football, the dividends of this pick may not show up until 2012. A surprise selection for a team loaded with defensive ends, but GM Jerry Reese subscribes to the best player available theory and knows the best pass defense is a pass rush. |
| 16 | Tennessee Titans | DE | Derrick Morgan | Georgia Tech |
| Defensive end was the Titan's number one draft need and finding the best all-around defensive end Derrick Morgan still on the board was a pleasant surprise. Morgan has the size, strength and quickness to make an immediate impact. He may never be a dominant pass rusher but he has a tremendous motor and is the type of defensive end who will get you 7-10 sacks per year while also being a presence against the run. Morgan also has the size to move inside on passing downs to allow the Titans to bring additional pass rushers onto the field. William Hayes and Jacob Ford showed promise in 2009 and the addition of Derrick Morgan will allow them to bring more consistent pressure in 2010. |
| 17 | San Francisco 49ers
(from Panthers) | G | Mike Iupati | Idaho |
| After using the 11th pick on Anthony Davis, the Niners add even more talent to their offensive line with guard Mike Iupati. Iupati is a powerful run blocker with a mean streak who will likely start immediately at left guard next to Joe Staley. Don't expect the Niners to run a zone blocking scheme with powerful guards Iupati and Chilo Rachal. The Niners spent the first half of last season trying to play smash mouth football and became a spread offense out of necessity due to spotty line play. Expect Alex Smith to play more under center in 2010 with an improved offensive line that can maul you in the ground game and let him set his feet in the pocket. |
| 18 | Pittsburgh Steelers | C | Maurkice Pouncey | Florida |
| After watching their poor line play last season cost them a playoff spot the Steelers focus on upgrading the interior line with Maurkice Pouncey. Without Ben Roethlisberger under center for 4-6 games, the Steelers will need to regain offensive balance and run the football effectively in 2010. Pouncey is an athletic interior lineman who can effectively reach the second level as a blocker. He will likely start right away at right guard before eventually transitioning to his natural center position. |
| 19 | Atlanta Falcons | OLB | Sean Weatherspoon | Missouri |
| With the top three defensive ends off the board the Falcons filled their need at outside linebacker with Sean Weatherspoon. He is a versatile playmaker who can play the strong or weakside. He will also upgrade the pass rush in Atlanta as he is an excellent blitzer who had 30 TFL and 9 sacks in his last two years at Missouri. Those numbers are even more impressive considering Weatherspoon did not play as a 3-4 OLB. Fills a big need and will start right away. |
| 20 | Houston Texans | CB | Kareem Jackson | Alabama |
| Kareem Jackson was one of the fastest rising players in the draft. He is a physical, instinctive corner who can play man or zone and fills the Texans need at cornerback after the departure of Dunta Robinson. He will be expected to start from day one. Jackson was likely drafted ahead of Kyle Wilson due to the NFL style defensive scheme he played in at Alabama and his ability to support the run. |
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | TE | Jermaine Gresham | Oklahoma |
| It was surprising to see the Bengals pass on Dez Bryant, but the Bengals have not had a quality receiving tight end since Rodney Holman was on the team back in 1992. The Bengals passing game struggled to get on track last season and a tight end who could challenge defenses was partially to blame. Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant are not receivers who work the middle of the field and if healthy Jermaine Gresham should be a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers. The biggest concerns for the Bengals is whether Gresham can be a factor as a blocker in line and whether offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski will be able to adapt the offense to take advantage of Gresham's receiving prowess. |
| 22 | Denver Broncos
(from Patriots) | WR | Demaryius Thomas | Georgia Tech |
| After trading down several times, Denver traded up to make sure they landed Demaryius Thomas. Thomas has arguably the best physical tools of any receiver in the draft, but he is an extremely raw route runner having played in a triple option offense in college. The pressure of replacing Brandon Marshall will be a huge burden for a player who will likely need time to adjust to the pro game. Look for him to have an early impact primarily as a deep threat as he rounds out his game. He has tremendous potential and fits the mold of the type of player Josh McDaniels is trying to build the team around as he is an ego-less receiver who does the little things (he's a good blocker) and has a strong work ethic. |
| 23 | Green Bay Packers | OT | Bryan Bulaga | Iowa |
| The Packers selection of Bulaga was one of the best values of round one and filled the team?s need for a young left tackle. With Chad Clifton returning, he could start off on the right side or inside at guard. Bulaga struggled to live up to expectations early in 2009 as he battled a thyroid issue but improved as the season wore on and proved he could handle speed rushers in the Orange Bowl against Derrick Morgan. He is a fundamentally sound pass blocker and a plays with a mean streak as a run blocker. Aaron Rodgers had a tremendous season in 2009, but protecting him and being able to run the football to chew up clock late in games are keys to the Packers success. |
| 24 | Dallas Cowboys
(from Eagles via Broncos and Patriots) | WR | Dez Bryant | Oklahoma St. |
| The Cowboys get the player they targeted entering the draft in Dez Bryant. He is a playmaker who will be able to thrive in the Dallas offense. With Jason Witten and Miles Austin on the roster, Dez Bryant will benefit from not have the pressure to be the number one receiver as a rookie. Initially expect him to be a deep threat who can stretch the field and be a factor in the red zone as adjusts to the pro game. Bryant was a top five talent who fell to the Cowboys at 24th overall because of character concerns. Ultimately, his success will rest largely on his ability to buy into the system and maintain a good work ethic with the shackles of college removed. He has the talent to be one of the league's best receivers but the work ethic concerns could easily derail him. |
| 25 | Denver Broncos
(from Ravens) | QB | Tim Tebow | Florida |
| Trading up to take Tim Tebow in round one was the riskiest pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. After trading away the core of the potent offense he inherited in Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, Josh McDaniels has put the team and his future on the line with Tebow's boom or bust potential. Tebow has the work ethic and leadership skills to be successful in life, but whether that will make him a quality NFL quarterback is still to be determined. How well he can speed up his delivery, read defenses and improve his accuracy will ultimately determine whether he succeeds or fails. Being a first round pick has raised expectations and could force him play sooner than later. Hopefully, Kyle Orton or Brady Quinn will play well enough to allow Tebow the time he needs to develop into a pro quarterback. |
| 26 | Arizona Cardinals | DT | Dan Williams | Tennessee |
| After getting little out of Gabe Watson and Alan Branch at nose tackle, the selection of Dan Williams was a no brainer for Arizona. Williams is a wide body in the middle who will command double teams and stuff the run. Upgrading at the nose tackle position will make life much easier for a new group of inside backers in the post-Karlos Dansby era. A throwback pick which should dramatically improve the Cardinals 17th ranked run defense. |
| 27 | New England Patriots
(from Cowboys) | CB | Devin McCourty | Rutgers |
| With major needs at defensive end and rush linebacker the Patriots traded down twice in round one to select Devin McCourty? He is not a bad player but taking a bend but don't break corner known as much for his special teams ability (7 career blocked kicks) as his coverage skills over their needs in the front seven was a surprise. After spending second round picks on Terrence Wheatley and Darius Butler in 2008 and 2009 the Patriots should have been able to take advantage of the value at other positions. The Patriots accumulate picks better than any other team but the selection of McCourty continues a trend of drafting role players over impact players which has limited the impact of their drafts in recent years. |
| 28 | Miami Dolphins
(from Chargers) | DT | Jared Odrick | Penn St. |
| Jared Odrick is a disruptive force along the defensive line and was the best five technique in the draft. He is a Parcells type of guy with good size, a non-stop motor and an ability to occupy blockers. The Dolphins did not have a major need at this position, but they could look to move Randy Starks to nose tackle to make room for Odrick in the starting lineup. It is hard to argue Odrick's value here but when NT Dan Williams slid into the 20s it was a little surprising that the Dolphins were unable to trade up the young nose tackle. |
| 29 | New York Jets | CB | Kyle Wilson | Boise State |
| Kyle Wilson is a tremendous football player and will team with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie to form the best trio of corners in the NFL. Wilson has natural cover skills in both man and zone and is also a dangerous punt returner. Despite the team's depth at the cornerback position expect Wilson to make an impact sooner than later. It was surprising to see the Jets pass on rush linebackers Jerry Hughes and Sergio Kindle both of whom would have filled the team's need for a young pass rusher. Rex Ryan is one of the most creative minds in the NFL and having three cover corners gives the Jets a great deal of flexibility in their front seven. |
| 30 | Detroit Lions
(from Vikings) | RB | Jahvid Best | California |
| Jahvid Best is an athletic back who is big play threat as a rusher and receiver who fills the Lions need for a running back with Kevin Smith coming off knee surgery. Jim Schwartz is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with Best similar to the Titans drafting of Chris Johnson in 2008. Expect Best to lineup at both running back and wide receiver to take advantage of his versatility and create mismatches. He needs to prove his concussion issues are behind him but he provides another playmaker on the offensive side of the football for an offense on the verge of breaking through. |
| 31 | Indianapolis Colts | DE/34LB | Jerry Hughes | TCU |
| An excellent pick by the Colts. Jerry Hughes fits the Colts profile of fast, undersized pass rushing defensive ends. Dwight Freeney is getting up and age and battled injuries last year and Hughes provides both insurance and another running mate. In the Super Bowl the Colts struggle to put pressure on Drew Brees contributed to their defeat and this selection is an attempt to reinvigorate that pass rush. Hughes has the tools to be a dynamic pass rushing including long arms, is explosiveness off the edge and a high motor. He will also benefit from learning from and playing opposite Dwight Freeney. He could not have landed in a much better situation. |
| 32 | New Orleans Saints | CB | Patrick Robinson | Florida St. |
| This pick was a reach for the Saints considering their needs in the front seven. Patrick Robinson has the physical tools to be a starting corner but has not played up to his talent. He should be able to turn and run with most NFL receivers but the key to his success will be playing with consistency and improving his technique. With Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter and Malcolm Jenkins on the roster, Robinson should be able to play a nickel role as he adapts to speed of the pro game. If he adjusts quicker than expected he could allow Jenkins to shift to safety. This pick represents the third consecutive year the Saints have used a first or second round pick on a corner. |
