2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs
Link to article: http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/03/03/2010-mock-draft-among-blogs/The BSN War Room is participating in a live interactive mock draft among NFL fan Blogs that was organized by our friends at NoLogoNeeded.com and will be selecting for the Bills. You can track the draft as it progress right here.
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs:
1. St. Louis Rams: Joe Sports Fan
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
Welcome to No Logo Needed's second-annual Mock Draft Among Blogs. Today, the St. Louis Rams kick off the festivities. In 2009, first-year head coach Steve Spagnuolo had a rough go finishing 1-15. In the last three seasons, St. Louis has a total of six wins.
The first overall selection brings with it its own pressures. As a general manager, you simply don't want to miss on that top pick. Rams GM Billy Devaney spoke about that pressure last Friday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Whether or not St. Louis will stay at the top spot remains to be seen. Devaney is listening to any and all interested parties.
"We're happy where we are, but you always want more picks," he said. "You'll never say hell no we don't want more picks."
For our purposes, the Rams are staying at No. 1 and Josh Bacott of JoeSportsFan.com is making the selection. Joe Sports Fan launched in 2005 and while a majority of the staff is based in St. Louis, the site is an online publication celebrating the absurdity of professional sports. Anyone who plays recreational softball, I highly suggest checking out their "Softball Guy" series. Very funny.
Now, without further ado, we will begin the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs. For those new to No Logo Needed's 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs, we spearheaded the effort last season. The idea was if we are going to do a mock draft, who is going to know what, say, the Eagles need better than someone who blogs about the Eagles? We have representation for all 32 teams. Each team has 24 hours to make their selection.
With the first selection in the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs, the St. Louis Rams select:
***Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska***
Fans in St. Louis are on the edge of their seats waiting to see how the franchise that just posted the worst three-year stretch in NFL history will be able to mangle the first pick in this year's draft. If there is one thing the Rams do well, it's blow high draft picks (somewhere in a California state prison cell Lawrence Phillips is nodding his head in agreement right now).
Some rumors are beginning to trickle out that they're open to taking a QB - perhaps even Oklahoma's Sam Bradford (if they can confirm that his shoulder is indeed shredded). But what fun would it be to take someone who is already a risk when you can accept the substantial challenge that is destroying the career of a true "can't miss" prospect?
With that in mind, as the cyber delegate for the St. Louis Rams, with the first pick in the 2010 No Logo Needed Mock Draft, we formally select Ndamukong Suh, DT from Nebraska. And for those fans who wish to see this beast on their team, fear not, he will be a broken-spirited free agent waiting for an inevitable career rejuvenation in a few short years.
The Detroit Lions and its representative, The Wayne Fontes Experience, are on the clock.
2. Detroit Lions: The Wayne Fontes Experience
Gerald McCoy, DT, Alabama
By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
A season after the Detroit Lions ran the table in reverse, the team doubled its win total in 2009. One of those wins came against the Cleveland Browns on an untimed down. It was one of the many low points of the Browns season. It was a low point not because Cleveland lost to Detroit, but HOW the Browns lost to Lions. Browns defensive back Hank Poteat was called for a pass interference on a hail mary pass as time expired. The Lions were awarded the ball on the Browns' 1-yard line.
On the next play, an injured Matt Stafford found Brandon Pettigrew for a 1-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was good and Detroit won 38-37.
Fittingly, Stafford and Pettigrew were first round picks for the Lions. Stafford, Pettigrew and wide receiver Calvin Johnson are only expected to get better in 2010. Defensively, the Lions were last in the NFL in points last season allowing 30.9 per game.
With the offensive skill positions seemingly addressed in last year's draft, the conventional thought is the Lions will go defense in April.
Al Beaton of The Wayne Fontes Experience is keeping in step with that thinking.
With the second round of the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs, the Detroit Lions select:
***Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma***
The Lions are no longer the worst team in football...which is why they are picking second overall in this year's draft.compared to first overall in '09. Hey, progress is progress, right?
As the Lions are still lacking talent at nearly every position, they are going into this year's draft with the same philosophy as last year. Take the best available player, regardless of position. (Within reason, of course. They won't take a QB in the upper reaches of the draft, obviously) This tactic worked well in '09, as the Lions had their best draft in years. So they'll continue to pursue the best player on board...period.
In this case, the consensus best player left on the Lions' draft board is DT Gerald McCoy.
The Lions have long had the worst defense in the NFL. A big reason why is the lake of talent on the defensive line. McCoy is a huge upgrade, and immediately becomes the Lions best lineman. He'll be plugged into the lineup next to last year's 4th round selection, DT Sammie Lee Hill, a small college run plugger who showed a good deal of promise in his rookie season. With the earth mover sized Hill next to the quick, athletic McCoy on the line, it gives the Lions a tackle pairing they can count on for the next several seasons. Hill can do the dirty work, allowing McCoy to do what he does best, make plays.
If there is one thing the Lions have long lacked, it's playmakers on either side of the ball. Gerald McCoy projects out as an impact lineman, which is exactly what the Lions need....Desperately.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and its representative, Bucs Central, are on the clock.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucs Central
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
Raheem Morris' first season as Tampa Bay head coach was met with difficulties. The Buccaneers started 1-12 before winning two of their last three that included a 20-17 win over the eventual Super Bowl champions New Orleans.
Former Browns' first-round pick, Kellen Winslow, was traded to Tampa Bay last February and the Bucs' leading receiver in 2009. Winslow played in all 16 games and caught 77 balls for 884 yards and five touchdowns. It was his second best season as a pro behind his 2007 Pro-Bowl year (82 catches for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns).
Still, Tampa Bay finished 3-13. So, for a team that not reached double figures in wins in six of the last seven seasons, how will the Buccaneers address their needs in the 2010 draft?
Roland Johnson of Bucs Central makes that pick. While it may not be sexy, it is a key position.
With the third pick in the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs, the Buccaneers select:
***Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State***
Conventional wisdom says the Bucs need to retool the defensive line after allowing nearly 160-yards rushing a game in 2009. With that being said, many draft pundits have penciled in either one of the top two defensive tackles in Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy and some have even speculated that Tennessee safety Eric Berry could be a viable option at number three overall, but with head coach Raheem Morris assuming defensive play calling duties and using a hybrid of Joe Lee Dunn’s Amoebae defense through the final seven games of the regular season last year. The defense actually toke some positive steps in the right direction. With a roster completely devoid of elite talent on both sides of the football, the consensus would be to trade down and acquire extra picks in a deep draft.
With Oklahoma States LT Russell Okung, still on the board and the team having doubts over Donald Penn’s commitment level - with his weight spiraling out of control and him tipping the scales at well over 350-pounds, not to mention his displeasure over the lack of long term contract talks. The team can’t afford not to have a blind side protector to protect the future face of the franchise in Josh Freeman.
4. Washington Redskins: The Curly R
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
Twitter: @DonNoLogoNeeded
On Wednesday, Washington Redskins' new head coach Mike Shanahan tendered quarterback Jason Campbell for a first-round pick. Meaning, if a team wants to sign Campbell they must give up a first-round selection. In other words, Campbell is expected to stay in Washington.
Campbell has played four season in the NFL. He hasn't lit the league on fire and, as a result of Shanahan coming to town, most expected the Redskins to draft a quarterback.
Sam Bradford was the quarterback most talked about coming to Washington. Yet, a day before Shanahan tendered Campbell, Redskins left tackle Chris Saumels retired.
So, Ben Folsom of Curly R is representing the Redskins and he had a difficult decision in front of him. Does he select a franchise left tackle or another potential franchise quarterback?
With the fourth pick in the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs, the Washington Redskins select:
The Redskins have many needs this offseason, none more pressing that along the offensive line where Washington used seven different starting combinations and five different tackles, with no tackle starting more than eight consecutive games. To highlight how serious are the Redskins needs at tackle, consider this:
Ten year veteran and six time Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels was forced to end his season early for the second consecutive season in 2009, this time due to a serious spinal stenosis condition that if aggravated again may have left Chris paralyzed or dead. Chris will announce his retirement formally from pro football this week.
Regular right tackle Stephon Heyer, undrafted four years ago, was forced to play two games at left tackle due to a lack of quality depth at the position. Designating your starting right tackle as the backup starting left tackle is pretty much the definition of closing the barn door after the horse done took off.
Season ending left tackle Levi Jones was on the street to start the 2009 season! The Redskins actually planned so poorly at the second most important position in the game that the guy they got to protect quarterback Jason Campbell's blind side was not playing organized football in September.
With only one offensive line position player guaranteed to return in 2010, left guard Derrick Dockery, there is simply no other option for the Redskins than to pick the best tackle prospect on the board at number four.
Trent was already a first round prospect, widely considered the best blocker on one of the best if not the best offensive line in the nation at the University of Oklahoma. His draft value increased after he had a great combine and proved to everyone that he does not have chicken wing arm span.
The Kansas City Chiefs and its representative, Chiefs Report, are on the clock.
Pick No. 5: Kansas City Chiefs
By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
In an effort to keep the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs moving forward, No Logo Needed will have to step in and make a selection for the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Thursday night, Ryan Luis of the Chiefs representative, Chiefs Report, selected Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung. Only problem is Okung was selected third by Tampa Bay.
Unable to have the Chiefs Report select another player in timely fashion, we had to make the pick for them.
According to WalterFootball.com, the Chiefs No. 1 offseason need is a left tackle. Luis of Chiefs report and DraftCountdown.com backed up that claim by selecting Okung for the Chiefs. Since Okung has already been selected in our mock draft, we decided to give the Chiefs the next best tackle on the board.
With that said, with the fifth pick in the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs, the Kansas City Chiefs select:
Bulaga's size and youth makes him an attractive commodity. Bulaga is 6-foot-6, 312 pounds and only 20 years old. His potential is sky high. The only problem is Bulaga's arms measured 33 inches. For a dominating left tackle, that size is short.
Here is what Michael Erler of SFI wrote regarding his concerns of Bulaga.
I look at Bulaga though and I'm reminded of the Raiders Robert Gallery. His arms measured at just 33 inches, which are a bit short in my opinion for a dominating left tackle. Also, in the combine drills he didn't look terribly explosive or athletic, especially in the lower body. Iowa linemen have a reputation for never improving in the pros past the level that Head Coach Kirk Ferentz got from them in college and I just have a feeling that Bulaga will just wind up being a solid NFL guard when it's all said and done.
But, Bulaga's positives include quick feet, strong run blocker and likes to move onto the next level to try and get blocks on linebackers.
The Seattle Seahawks and its representative, Dave Krieg's Strike Beard, are on the clock.
Pick No. 6: Seattle Seahawks
By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
In the first year sans Mike Holmgren, the Seattle Seahawks went 5-11 and fired Jim Mora and opted to hire USC coach Pete Carroll. It is hard to believe Holmgren was in Seattle from 1999-2008. During that time, the Seahawks made the playoffs five times and won the NFC in 2005.
A majority of those wins were thanks, in part, to quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. But Hasselbeck is 34 and is coming off two consecutive season in which he has dealt with an injury.
Already, NoLogoNeeded.com's Mock Draft Among Blogs has had a offensive tackle run.
Johnny Peel from Dave Krieg's Strike Beard is representing the Seahawks. His options were to go with a quarterback or continue to build on the Seahawks defense. If you remember last season, the Seahawks also were picking in front of Cleveland and they took Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry fourth.
So what might Seattle do?
With the sixth pick in the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs, the Seattle Seahawks select:
The Seattle Seahawks have had a strange history at the quarterback position. The best QBs in franchise history were a sixth-round pick (Matt Hasselbeck), and two undrafted free agents (Dave Krieg and Jim Zorn), while the team has had terrible fortune spending high draft picks on quarterbacks. Seattle has used a third-round pick or higher on a QB four times in franchise history, and they are a true procession of failures: Dan McGwire, Rick Mirer, Brock Huard and David Greene. Combined NFL record as starting QBs? 26-51.
However, history also tells us that every season Seattle has had made the playoffs with 10+ wins, they had a Pro Bowl QB under center (Krieg in '84, Hasselbeck in '03, '05 and '07). It's a cliche at this point that the NFL is a "quarterback's league," but Seattle's descent into the league's bottom tier has coincided with the rapid deterioration of Hasselbeck's performance over the last two seasons.
Unfortunately, the Twelve Army can't just sit back and hope Mike Teel becomes the next Hasselbeck or Krieg. Given that new coach Pete Carroll wants his own personal Troy Aikman, taking the top QB in this draft class is the obviously right call. Bradford is a gamble based on his shoulder issues and need to adjust to taking snaps from under center, but is a great value pick at #6. Bradford would also get to sit back and learn from Hasselbeck in his rookie year (which is also the final year of Hasselbeck's contract), unless Beck gets injured or fails to improve on his pathetic performance in 2009.
Of course, we might give up the 6th overall pick to land Brandon Marshall, rendering everything I just wrote moot.
The Cleveland Browns and its representative, No Logo Needed, is on the clock.
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs
Pick No. 7: Cleveland Browns
By Don Delco and Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writers
A new season brings a new face as the leader of the Cleveland Browns organization. After a year hiatus, Mike Holmgren returned to the NFL and Browns owner Randy Lerner has given the former Packers and Seahawks coach full control.
When it comes to rebuilding the Browns (again), Holmgren said there are certain areas of need on the team: depth at offensive line, solve the quarterback question, depth at running back and speed at wide receiver.
Yet the position the Browns are in April's draft, only the quarterback question could be solved at No. 7. Since Seattle selected Sam Bradford (thankfully) at No. 6, the one player who remains — and those of us at No Logo Needed covet — is still available.
For all the Browns' struggles in 2009, the team's defense simply doesn't have playmakers. On offense, Jerome Harrison finished the season collecting yards in chunks and it was thanks, in part, to a strong offensive line led by three-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas at left tackle. Josh Cribbs was recently given a new contract for all his abilities to make plays on offense and in special teams.
And now, there is a defensive playmaker available in the draft.
With the seventh pick in the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs, the Cleveland Browns select:
If the draft in April falls this way, there will be nobody happier than us here at No Logo Needed. Selecting a talent like Berry doesn't come along very often. According to NFL Network's Charlie Casserly, some teams have said Berry is the best player in the draft. So taking Berry is a no-brainer from a talent standpoint, but what makes this even better is that the Browns are in desperate need of a play making safety.
The best part about what Berry brings to the table is his versatility. Because of his talent, Berry can play man-to-man with wide receivers's and that means when the Browns roll coverage over to account for a blitzing corner there is no drop off in coverage.
Berry started for three seasons at UT and made 245 tackles, 17 pass breakups and had 14 interceptions. In addition, he returned kicks. He is athletic, confident, driven and can be a leader on the Browns defense for years to come.
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs
Pick No. 8: Oakland Raiders
By Chris Shellcroft
Just Blog Baby.com
This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Oakland Raiders will be drafting in the top 10. Being that Al Davis has picked a quarterback, running back and wide receiver in the last three years you’d assume that the most basic needs have been addressed. You know like, I don’t know, protecting the $60-million quarterback so he has time to find his $38-million wide receiver and open holes for his $60-million running back.
Oh that’s right, Al addressed that need way back in ’04 when he selected Robert Gallery.
Gallery has tiptoed around the bust label but let’s be honest. When you draft a left tackle second overall, a dominant guard isn’t what you hope he’ll become. That’s a little like buying a bottle of Louis XIII cognac and taking a sip only to discover you’d purchased XO. Not the worst thing that could happen but it certainly is nowhere near what you paid for.
In 2009 the Raiders boasted one of the most dubious accomplishments in NFL history. Left tackle Mario Henderson allowed the most sacks in the league and right tackle Cornell Green amassed more penalties per snap than any offensive lineman in the league. And you thought JaMarcus only completed 48% of his throws because he doesn’t know what color jersey his teammates are wearing.
With that being said, Mr. Davis has a dilemma on his hands: Do you go with the fastest defensive back (Taylor Mays) or the fastest offensive lineman (Bruce Campbell) in the draft?
The answer is simple.
You must think in the most illogical fashion possible.
Who has more use for raw speed in the game football? The safety of course.
Therefore with the 8th pick in the 2010 Mock Draft among Blogs, the Raiders select:
The hope is that this Bruce Campbell will lead the Army of Darkness in Oakland by anchoring the woeful offensive line.
He has been called the “offensive line version of Vernon Davis”. Does that mean it will take Mike Singletary banishing him from the sideline mid-game to live up to his potential? Probably since Campbell is a raw talent who has major upside but is seen as a major gamble. Oh…almost forgot to mention his injury concerns as well.
What’s more Al Davis than that?
Too bad for Al that Singletary coaches that team on the other side of the Bay Bridge. I guess a Tom Cable jaw breaker will have to suffice for motivational tactics instead.
For the sake of the franchise this pick has to pay immediate dividends. With all the money being handed out in Oakland these days you’d assume this team has been wearing the AFC West crown and not the dunce cap for the last seven years.
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs
Pick. No. 9: Buffalo Bills
By Anthony D. Macari
BuffaloSportsNow.com
The Buffalo Bills will enter the draft with a multitude of holes, but really there is none greater than behind center. The Bills have tried to fill the position since Jim Kelly retired by every method except expending their first pick in the draft and have floundered for over a decade.
This choice will come down to Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen, Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain and Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams.
Anthony Macari of Buffalo Sports Now is representing the Bills and made his choice among Clausen, Davis, McClain and Williams.
With the ninth pick of the draft, the Buffalo Bills select:
Anthony Davis had a rough combine, running a poor 40 time and looking sluggish in position drills. More troubling was that the word is he performed poorly in team meetings adding fuel to the notion that he has motivational issues. That being said, he has as much upside as any Tackle outside of Okung in this draft.
Dan Williams is another intriguing option for the Bills who would could instantly help the Bills make the transition to the 3-4 a smooth one. He has rare power that would keep the linebackers clean and will stuff the run. He lacks the kind of big play ability you look for in a top 10 pick, but he is head and shoulders above the other NT prospects in relatively thin draft at NT.
Rolando McClain is another option, but the needs along the lines and at QB out way the one at LB. He is the kind of leader you build around but after choosing to skip the 40 at the combine he'll have to answer questions about his speed and athleticism at the next level.
Many teams will have Clausen on top of their board at QB, but I believe the Bills likely have Bradford rated higher by a slight margin. Bradford's leadership intangibles, accuracy, athleticism and quick release will make him attractive to Gailey. If both Clausen and Bradford are both off the board, I believe the Bills love Tim Tebow's intangibles, unfortunately his tangibles are the problem and he really should not be considered a 1st round pick. While Bradford is probably tops on the Bills draft board, Clausen would not be rated far behind. He comes into the league as NFL ready as any QB in several drafts. He went a long way towards answering questions about his leadership ability this year on the field by playing hurt at the highest possible level. Game after game, Clausen kept the Irish competitive despite their being over matched for much of the season, especially on defense.
Despite playing most of the season with tendon damage in his right toe that required post-season surgery, Clausen compiled one of the most prolific seasons any top prospect has produced in recent memory. Looking at his stats compared to the top first round choices the past few drafts shows his 68% completion percentage, only 4 interceptions and 9 yards per attempt is as good or better than Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford. His 28 TDs place him third behind only Sanchez and Ryan.
The bottom line is Jimmy Clausen would give the Bills a true young franchise QB to build around for the next 15 years. Although they have needs at Tackle, NT, LB, WR and elsewhere, if you are a team without a true franchise QB behind center or in development, you are a lost franchise. By most indications Clausen has proven he has matured both on and off the field and is ready to take the next step. His experience under Charlie Weiss in a true pro-style offense means he will be ready to step in sooner rather than later to lead this Bills team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, and its representative Black and Teal, are on the clock.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Black and Teal
Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Mike Iupati, G, Iowa
Earl Thomas, S, Texas
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
14. Seattle Sehawks (from Denver Broncos): Dave Krieg's Strike Beard
Charles Brown, OT, USC
15. New York Giants: Ultimate NYG
16. Tennessee Titans: Music City Miracles
17. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina Panthers): Niners Nation
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers Today
19. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcoholic
20. Houston Texans: Houston Die Hards
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Bengal Stripes
22. New England Patriots: Blauhg: A New England Patriots Blog
23. Green Bay Packers: Lombardi Ave
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Iggles Blog
25. Baltimore Ravens: The Ebony Bird
26. Arizona Cardinals: Voice of the Cardinals
27. Dallas Cowboys: Blogging the Boys
28. San Diego Chargers: Bolt Hype
29. New York Jets: Jets Twit
30. Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota Sports Zone
31. Indianapolis Colts: The Indy Football Report
32. New Orleans Saints: MooseDenied
Voice of the Fan: What do you think?

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