Week 2 vs. Cincinnati was a huge eye opener (6 sacks). Week 4 vs.
Minnesota was the straw that broke the camels back (8 sacks). Since
then, Green Bay has resorted to re-signing both starting tackles from
years past whom they cut in the off season to protect Aaron Rodgers.
14 sacks allowed by the Green Bay offensive line in two games is
simply embarrassing and to make things worse, Green Bay led the
league in sacks allowed with 51 sacks allowed. Ted Thompson and
Mike McCarthy will certainly make this the teams number one priority
come draft time. Look for Bryan Bulaga to provide that stability in the
trenches. Bulaga is a stud offensive lineman from Iowa and one of the
best tackles in the Big-Ten: a conference known for producing solid
franchise offensive linemen (Steve Hutchison, Kareem McKenzie,
JoeThomas, Jake Long, etc). Look for Bulaga to carry on that tradition in Green Bay.
2010 Mock Draft Continued: Picks 13 - 25
#16 - Tennessee Titans
Carlos Dunlap
Defensive End
Florida
1st Round Continued: Picks 26-32
REturn: Mock Draft Home
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#18 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Earl Thomas
Safety
Texas
Previous Pick: Carlos Dunlap
Previous Pick: Bruce Campbell
Previous Pick: Joe Haden
Since the departure and disappointing performance of Shaun Alexander,
Seattle has yet to find a running back capable of filling the expectations
left behind. Julius Jones is showing why he was released from Dallas,
Edgerrin James has showed why he was cut from Arizona, and Justin
Forsett is simply not the answer. The Seahawks have not had a rusher
run for over 900 yards in four consecutive seasons (06-09). C.J. Spiller
is an electrifying running back who can not only run between the tackles
but can also catch the ball well and is a menace on special teams.
Spiller followed up a great 09' season with an impressive NFL Combine.
The Clemson star ran a blazing 4.37 in the forty and performed very well
in all other exercises. At 5-11 - 196 pounds, he is a bit undersized, but
his elusiveness in between the tackles helps him earn the extra yards
while avoiding the pounding. Not only would Spiller be a much needed
addition, but he fits Pete Carroll's draft style. While Carroll was the head coach at New
England (97-99), he drafted five (5) running backs in the top 3 rounds (14 overall picks). This
trend of drafting running backs will continue for Carroll, as he looks to rebuild the franchise on
the offensive side of the ball first.
Although still a play-maker, John Abraham is getting older.
In 2008, the Falcons ranked 11th in total sacks. In 09'  the
team ranked 26th in the league with only 28.0 total sacks.
This lack of pressure has been troubling as the teams pass
defense also fell from 21st (08) to 28th in 2009. Atlanta will
need to provide depth and eventual  replacements for 2010.
One of the most intriguing players in this draft will be Jason
Pierre-Paul. The South Florida DE is rising up every major
draft board, mainly because of his potential. Pierre-Paul only
started one full season at South Florida. As a starter, JPP
accumulated 42 tackles, 6 sacks and 1 INT for a touchdown. These are not eye-popping stats by
any measure. JPP's stats are not what make him desirable, but rather his athleticism for a man
measuring 6-6 and 270 pounds. After watching film on JPP, it is clear that he has an intense
motor and can consistently apply pressure. He has a great rip-move, and not only blew by tackles,
but also showed the ability to bull rush effectively. Another interesting point is that USF often had
both defensive ends play a stand up technique while on the outside. This adds to his versatility as
3-4 teams could very well use Pierre-Paul as an outside linebacker. Atlanta could draft a
cornerback with the 19th pick, but the more immediate and pressing need is the DE position.
Although a project, JPP will provide the much needed pressure the Falcons need.
#19 - Atlanta Falcons
Jason Pierre-Paul
Defensive End
South Florida
#20 - Houston Texans
Taylor Mays
Safety
Southern California
The Houston Texans are a player or two away from being a serious
playoff contender. The team has made long strides on both sides of
the ball. On offense, the Texans have arguably the best player in the
NFL with Andre Johnson and are capable of scoring on every drive.
On defense, the team has emerging superstars Mario Williams and
Brian Cushing. The one glaring hole that consistently haunts the team
is their secondary. Since 2004, the Texans have ranked: 24, 24, 22,
25, 17, and 18 in pass defense. Unfortunately, the team lost starting
CB Dunta Robinson via free agency. Finding his replacement is of
high priority, but upgrading the safety position will be the focal point.
Not only is Taylor Mays a tremendous talent, but at pick 18, Mays would
be a steal. Prior to the 2009 season, Mays was a top 5 pick. Although
Mays' stats have declined along with the entire USC defense, he will
still be a solid player in the NFL. Built like a linebacker at 6'3, 235 lbs,
and speed like a cornerback (reported sub 4.3 speed), Mays will make in immediate impact for the
Texans. Not only should Mays help the pass defense, but he will also step into the box and assist
Houston with the run, which ranked 10th in 09.  Mays will enter the league as one of the more
versatile players in the draft, and Houston will take full advantage of his talents.
Previous Pick: Bryan Bulaga
Previous Pick: Earl Thomas
Previous Pick: Derrick Morgan
#15 - NY Giants
Rolando McClain
Linebacker
Alabama
The Giants struggled all season (09) on the defensive side of the ball.
This is surprising considering the team entered the season with one
of the most dominant defensive line units (on paper) in the NFL. But,
as good as the defensive line was projected to be, it was unable to
overcome the injuries suffered in the secondary and linebacker areas.
Antonio Pierce didn't play to his usual ability which was attributed to a
combination of age and injuries. Pierce was placed on IR with a neck
injury prior to the start of week 12. The defensive captain was quickly
released at the end of the season. The Giants will need to acquire a
player who can fill the void left by Pierce. Simply put, McClain is a beast.
McClain played in a 3-4 style defense at Alabama, but should have no
problems transitioning to a 4-3. Additionally, he had the advantage of
being coached by Nick Saban; a defensive mastermind. Standing at
6'4, 258 lbs, the Crimson Tide star is big, strong, fast and best of all instinctive. A true student of
the game, McClain knows exactly what the defensive assignments are, and frequently makes
adjustments based on offensive alignments. If McClain carries his current work ethic with him to
the next level, he will surely flourish. Look for McClain to join an already experienced unit and make
his mark early.
In the beginning of the season I was certain the Steelers would make
the offensive line the main priority in the offseason. The unit proved to
be reliable, especially with the emergence of Pro Bowl Guard Chris
Kemoeatu.  Even though the unit progressed, they still surrendered 47
sacks, which ranks 2nd most in the NFL. This number is deceiving
considering Roethlisberger is notorious for holding the ball too long
and scrambles between the tackles too much. I look for the Steelers
to address the Offensive Line later in the draft and concentrate on a
vulnerable position that was exposed early in the season, when their
star play Troy Polamalu went down with a knee injury.  Without
Polamalu, it was evident that Clark’s play struggled and the backups
would not suffice. Not only was performance a factor, but looking at the
current safeties on the roster, age comes into consideration. Clark will
be 31 next season and backup Tyrone Carter will be 34. Look for the
Steelers to address this concern first by adding Earl Thomas, a young
but football savvy safety.  Thomas is a very solid safety, having accumulated 128 tackles and 10
interceptions in two seasons. The sophomore will be draft eligible, and is currently ranked the top
safety in the 2010 draft by several analyst. Thomas' high tackle total indicates he is not afraid to
step into the box and stop the run, which is the type of toughness the Steelers embrace.  Although
this is not the position the Steelers would like to be in, they will be glad to add a player of Thomas'
caliber to their roster.
#21 - Cincinnati Bengals
Damian Williams
Wide Receiver
Southern California
The tragic passing of WR, Chris Henry not only had an emotional toll
on the team, but also with performance and execution. The loss of
Henry stalled the offense and the passing game. Not having a tall,
speedy target stretching the field in the slot limited Carson Palmer and
the Bengals passing attack. The Bengals rank 21st in the NFL
averaging 192.7 passing yards per game. Palmer threw for under 220
yards in eight (8) games this season. At first, I projected the Bengals to
strengthen their defensive line with a solid tackle. But, taking a look at
how the passing game struggled and the roster, it makes sense to get
some youth and play-making ability back on the field. Chad Ochocinco
will be 32 years old next season. Antonio Bryant is a play-maker, but
the team still needs that presence in the slot. With the emerging
ground game, the passing attack should receive a much needed jolt
by adding Williams. Another option is to upgrade the TE position, but
with the new running game and resurgence of Cedric Benson, I feel
the team will target a run-blocking TE rather than a receiving TE (Gresham). Williams is the pick.
Previous Pick: Brandon Lang
Previous Pick: Trent Williams
Previous Pick: Sergio Kindle
Previous Pick: Marvin Austin
Previous Pick: Trevard Lindley
The 49ers are in serious need of an elite pass rusher, especially if
they intend on staying in a 3-4 alignment. Although the team had
44.0 sacks in 2009 (ranked 3rd), the production off the edges was
extremely low. Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson combined for
11.5 sacks and Ahmad Brooks was a situational rusher who added
6.0 to the total. In four years combined, Lawson and Haralson have
a sack total of 27.5. These totals are not what you expect from stand
up, edge rushers. Some of the premier 3-4 outside linebackers
average double digit sacks on a consistent basis. Sergio Kindle
would be a perfect fit in the teams 3-4 alignment. Kindle has
experience playing defensive end and in a stand-up technique at
linebacker. The Texas All-American stands 6'4, 255 lbs and has 13
sacks in two seasons. Some may question his strength as he only
posted 25 repetitions on the bench press. However, he did display
his speed and lower body power by posting a sub 4.7 forty-yard dash and 36.5" vertical jump.
Kindle will transition well into the NFL and have an immediate impact on the 49ers defense.
Disclaimer:
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projections and projection purposes only.  
On paper, they are solid and have decent depth at all positions. In 08'
the Titans defense finished ranked 7th overall and 9th in pass
defense. In 2009, they finished ranked #28 overall and #31 in pass
defense.  One of the biggest questions you need to ask: Is the
organization and coach Fisher ready to abandon Vince Young?  If so,
this would be a perfect position to take a risk on one of the remaining
quarterbacks in the draft. However, with the money invested and the
new found maturity of Young, I believe Tennessee strengthens their
defensive front with Carlos Dunlap. This mammoth defensive end
(6-6 / 290) can play inside or outside in the teams 4-3 scheme. Van
Den Bosch was lost to Detroit and Kearse's future is uncertain.
Dunlap fits the new personnel Fisher has been creating: smaller,
faster defensive lineman.  Since the departure of Haynesworth, the
teams defensive line interior is averaging 290 pounds.  Dunlap fits
that profile, but also has the speed and quickness (4.66 40-yard dash) to rush the edge creating a
win-win situation for Fisher and company.
 
#17 - San Francisco 49ers
Pick acquired via trade with Carolina Panthers
Mike Iupati
Offensive Guard
Idaho
Previous Pick: Brandon Spikes
#14 - Seattle Seahawks
Pick acquired via trade with Denver Broncos
C.J. Spiller
Running back
Clemson
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#13 - San Francisco 49ers
Sergio Kindle
DE/OLB
Texas
#22 - New England Patriots
Jerry Hughes
DE/OLB
Texas Christian
#24 - Philadelphia Eagles
Kyle Wilson
Conerback
Boise State
#23 - Green Bay Packers
Bryan Bulaga
Offensive Tackle
Iowa
The 2009 season proved that no matter how talented your offense
may be, your defense needs to be able to perform. The Patriots' once
dominant defense struggled big time in 2009. This collapse from
greatness maybe attributed to a new focus on Tom Brady and the
high powered offense or the inability to pressure opposing offenses.
Since 2003, the Patriots have ranked in the top 5 in sacks 4 times.
Running a 3-4 system requires defenses to have outstanding outside
linebackers who cannot only rush, but drop into coverage. Current
starters, Adalius Thomas and Tully Banta-Cain were incapable of
producing the pressure needed from 3-4 OLB's. Jerry Hughes on the
other hand fits this mold well. Hughes will transition from a defensive
end to an outside linebacker in Belichick's defense. Hughes is the
definition of an NFL "tweener." At 6'3, 257 lbs, he is a perfect build to
play the OLB position in the NFL. In two seasons Hughes has
accumulated 106 total tackles and an eye-popping 26 sacks. The Patriots secondary has
struggled at times, but they are a group of young talented players whom Belichick will get up
to speed. Look for Hughes to provide a resurgence of pressure and dominance to the New
England Patriots defense.  
The Eagles have a done a solid job personnel wise. Looking at some
of the more recent drafts, the Eagles have done an outstanding job
of drafting for depth! The past two years they have prepared for the
future by drafting Kevin Kolb and Trevor Laws. This year, the Eagles
will need to draft for need. In a one sided trade to Cleveland, the team
traded away Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong for a 5th round draft
pick. They will need to find replacements for both players. BPA aside,
Kyle Wilson is regarded as one of the best overall prospects in the
draft, let alone cornerback. Although the Boise State superstar played
against "lesser opponents," his skills and abilities are still top tier.
Wilson has great man-to-man coverage skills and is not afraid to
make tackles. His combination of tenacity and coverage ability will
make him flourish in the Eagles defense: a defense not afraid to blitz
and cover one-on-one. Look for Wilson to refine his skills and be an immediate starter in 10'
Drafthuddle.com - Article
Pete Carroll's draft
history and impact on the
2010 NFL draft.
The 49ers need help and depth at the offensive line. Joe Staley has
been a solid contributor anchoring down the left tackle position.  
However, injuries have limited his role and current starters Sims and
Snyder are temporary fill-ins. As a team, the 49ers allowed 40 total
sacks in 2009 which is ranked 10th most in the NFL. This may not
seem terrible, but the 49ers are starting to transition into a pass first
offense, averaging 33.3 passing attempts per game, and a league
low, 22.6 rushing attempts per game. With that, the team needs to
address the offensive line. Adding Iupati to the interior of the o-line
would immediately improve the running game. Mike Singletary likes
to pound the ball and with a healthy Gore and Coffee, he should be
able to. Iupati is a massive guard (6-6, 330 lbs) who dominated in
run blocking. He uses his size, strength and overall mass to over
power opposing defenders. Look for Iupati to take that same level of
aggressiveness and dominance to the NFL.
Previous Pick:
Arrelious Benn
#25 - Baltimore Ravens
Brian Price
Defensive Tackle
UCLA
One of the biggest needs heading into 2009 was the WR position.
This offseason, the Ravens shored up the position by adding star
wide out, Anquan Boldin via trade. Additionally, the team some
how convinced Derrick Mason to sign a two-year extension. The
Ravens will enter 2010 solid on offense. Suprisingly though, the
Ravens will need to address the defense for a change. Baltimore
lost both Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards via free agency. Both
played a very large roll in the Ravens defense. Additionally, Trevor
Price and Kelly Gregg will both be over 33 heading into 2010. The
Ravens need to replace both players on the defensive line and
plan for the future. Brian Price will be an excellent addition to the
Ravens defense. Price is regarded by many as the 3rd best DT
in this years draft. The UCLA star has experience playing both
interior DT positions and rushing from the outside. Playing along
side Ngata and under the leadership of Ray Lewis will benefit
both Price and the Ravens. Look for Price to be a dominant figure in Baltimore's defense for
many years.
Sergio Kindle Highlights
C.J. Spiller Highlights
Rolando McClain Highlights
Carlos Dunlap Highlights
Earl Thomas Highlights
Taylor Mays Highlights
Damian Williams Highlights
Kyle Wilson Highlights
Brian Price Highlights
Jason Pierre-Paul
Highlights
Mike Iupati Highlights