DraftBreakdown.com’s NFL Mock Draft 2/12

1. St. Louis Rams - Ndamukong Suh - DT - Nebraska
Ndamukong Suh had to build a new trophy shelf after winning the Outland Trophy, Lombardi, Bednarik, and Nagurski Award.  As he mauled interior linemen and wrestled QBs to the ground, Ndamukong Suh has vaulted his way to being a possible #1 pick in the NFL draft.  The St. Louis Rams could look one of two ways at this pick.  They can take Suh, the most dominant defensive player in this draft, or if they fall in love with a QB like Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen, that position is a possibility.  Some out there think they will avoid Suh with a lot of money tied up in defensive linemen Chris Long and Adam Carriker, but it is looking like the Rams address the QB position via FA or trade, which leaves them with Suh or Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy.

2. Detroit Lions - Gerald McCoy - DT - Oklahoma
With all of the focus on Ndamukong Suh, many are overlooking a Defensive Tackle who is rated just as highly in Gerald McCoy.  An extremely stout player against the run who can also provide some pass rush up the middle, McCoy would provide an instant upgrade for the Detroit Lions defense.  Though Detroit has many needs ranging from an elite LT to a RB to a Corner, a big body in the middle of the defense could really change this team for the better. One of the two top DTs is a near slam dunk for the Lions, though they could opt for one of the top LTs in Anthony Davis or Russell Okung if their prime goal is to protect QB Matthew Stafford.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Eric Berry - S - Tennessee
There is no secret of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers love for Gerald McCoy, and if he doesn’t fall to three, there is sure to be disappointment.  If a DT is not available, the Bucs are still likely to bolster their defense.  One impact player would be Safety Eric Berry from Tennessee who is being compared to the late Sean Taylor as an NFL prospect.  Berry adjusts his game to whatever his team needs.  Whether it be getting in the box to lay the lumber on runners or playing center field and reading quarterbacks.  Though Safety isn’t the largest need for the Bucs, getting a gamechanger to pair with emerging star Aqib Talib could give Tampa a nasty secondary for years to come.  The Bucs could look for a major offensive weapon here in WR Dez Bryant if they wanted to as well.

4. Washington Redskins - Sam Bradford - QB - Oklahoma
With rumors coming out from Washington that Shannahan is excited and ready to draft a QB and develop him, it is looking more likely that the Skins will take a chance on either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen at #4 overall.  If both are available, there is a definite question of which fits Shannahan’s coaching philosophy more.  He likes players who can roll out of the pocket and make sharp accurate throws.  Neither of these two quite fit that bill, but it looks likely that Sam Bradford is the higher rated QB in NFL circles.  Bradford’s shoulder is almost done with recovery, and he will throw at his pro day to show off his arm.  If Bruce Allen and Shannahan like what they see, they could lean toward Bradford.  The other big area that needs addressing is offensive line after Chris Samuels injuries have caught up with him, so the Skins may opt for Offensive Tackles Anthony Davis from Rutgers or Russell Okung from Oklahoma State.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Rolando McClain - LB - Alabama
If the top four shakes out the way it has, I expect the Chiefs may try to move down and pick up some extra picks instead of reaching for the player they want.  Last year, the Chiefs attempted to move down before picking up DE Tyson Jackson.  This year, they may reach if they have to for Linebacker Rolando McClain if no move is available.  Inside Linebackers just don’t go this high.  Even some of the best in the NFL (Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, etc,) were nowhere close to Top 5 picks, but Scott Pioli has reached a bit when he loves a prospect.  This doesn’t mean that Rolando McClain isn’t talented however.  He has very little flaws, great lateral movement, and has excellent technique when tackling.  He would be a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense inside and provide a Patrick Willis type of impact for a team.  If Eric Berry falls here, the Chiefs may want to upgrade one of their weakest positions with him, or build their offensive line more with an Offensive Tackle.

6. Seattle Seahawks - Anthony Davis - OT - Rutgers
With Walter Jones announcing his likely retirement, the Left Tackle position is in a state of emergency for the Seahawks.  Even if Pete Carroll wanted to grab a young signal caller, it likely would not help without protection up front for him.  There is a debate looming about who the best offensive tackle in this draft is, Anthony Davis or Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung.  Okung is a bit worse in run protection and sometimes lacks the punch a LT needs, but Davis is a bit more raw with more upside.  Teams will ultimately take Davis for his upside, and he would be an excellent fit in a place like Seattle that is in a rebuilding mode.  The Seahawks could opt for Jimmy Clausen, a player Pete Carroll had plenty of looks at when facing off against Notre Dame.

7. Cleveland Browns - Joe Haden - CB - Florida
The Browns haven’t been secretive about their love for top cornerback Joe Haden.  Where there is this much smoke, there almost usually is some fire.  Haden picked the perfect season to opt for the NFL draft since there is no other corner in this draft even close to his skill level.  Haden has the potential to be a Darrelle Revis type of corner with his speed, athleticism, and discipline at the position.  The Browns have a solid corner in Eric Wright, but need a true #1 guy at the position.  This can allow an increased pass rush and more focus on playing WRs in man for Cleveland, which can lead to a better defense overall.  Cleveland could also look at a pass rusher like Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan or Texas’ Sergio Kindle (though don’t be surprised if they are the team to land Julius Peppers).  They may even pull the trigger on Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant to get an actual #1 WR.

8. Oakland Raiders - Jason Pierre-Paul - DE - South Florida
Raiders fans always get angry when Mock Drafts cite Al Davis’ love for athleticism and speed.  The fact of the matter is, we are trying to predict the NFL draft and have to look at a team’s history to do so.  Despite this love by Mr. Davis, the Raiders rarely pick a position that isn’t a need.  One big need this season is defensive end.  Jason Pierre-Paul is a player sure to wow at the combine and convince teams he has Top Ten potential.  JPP has only played one year of Division 1 football after he moved from Community College to USF this past season.  With a gigantic wingspan, tons of speed pass rush moves, and a lot more potential, he could be the first pass rusher off the board.  Seems like an ideal fit for the Raiders.  I also wouldn’t be surprised if they take other elite athletic specimens like USC Safety Taylor Mays or Defensive End Everson Griffen.

9. Buffalo Bills - Jimmy Clausen- QB - Notre Dame
Chan Gailey is taking over a Bills Offense where Trent Edwards or Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t cut it as NFL Quarterbacks.  If one of the two top QBs fall to 9, it would be difficult for the Bills to pass on one.  Unless they trade for a player like Michael Vick, this is a great fit at 9.  Jimmy Clausen has been groomed for draft day since he was in middle school.  He can make most NFL throws, has played in a pro system, and is very confident in his abilities.  Clausen is the type that does nothing amazingly well, but he seems to do everything good.  Despite not winning the big games at Notre Dame, teams still like his leadership as well.  If neither QB is available, the Bills could also take another offensive weapon in Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant.

10. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) - Dez Bryant - WR - Oklahoma State
This pick is contingent on one thing, Brandon Marshall being ushered out of town.  If he is gone, the Broncos desperately need a playmaker at WR.  Eddie Royal took a huge step back in his second year, and there is very little depth behind him.  Dez Bryant is a surefire Top 10 pick, and a better a prospect than last year’s Michael Crabtree.  He has great speed, runs excellent routes, and uses his body very well.  The worries about him being suspended and not playing most of his senior season are few and far between.  A true #1 talent at WR, Dez Bryant is heads and tails above the rest of this WR class.  Other options for the Broncos could be a LB like Rolando McClain or Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan. 

OTHER COLLEGE FANTASY NOTABLES:
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) - C.J. Spiller - RB - Clemson
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Jermaine Gresham - TE - Oklahoma
22. New England Patriots - Jahvid Best - RB - California
25. Baltimore Ravens - Arrelious Benn - WR - Illinois

For the complete first round analysis, check out DraftBreakdown.com.