4 Round Mock Draft

Okay, having absorbed all the input I recieved on my last mock draft, I decided to revise and expand.  I'm still sticking with my framework of attempting to be different, but still at least sensible.  (I know of a few picks that will potentially get me bitched out)  Because I'm a little pressed for time at present, I skipped providing explanations for the fourth round.  However, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the logic behind those or any other picks, which will hopefully generate some good discussion.

Without further ado...

1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

I know, it's kinda funny to start out saying you want to shake things up and then come out with a consensus pick.  Well, in this case, it just makes too much sense.  I can only see this being two people:  Bradford or Suh.  From everything I read, Bradford is currently on the inside track

2. Detroit Lions - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

I've read reports that the Lions are thinking about drafting Okung and kicking Jeff Backus inside to left guard.  They should do it.  And they will.  With Corey Williams joining the team and Sammie Lee Hill playing well last year, drafting Suh just doesn't fit here, especially since solid rotational defensive tackles can be acquired in the mid rounds.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Don't get me wrong, I think Suh is the better player, but McCoy is just such a perfect fit for the Tampa one-gap defense.  I know I'm going to get grief about this from Bucs fans.

4. Washington Redskins - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

No matter who their quarterback is going to be, he needs to be protected.  Bulaga has a good deal of experience at left tackle, nice athleticism and was coached by Kirk Ferentz.  He's my #2 ranked OT in the draft and I have difficulty believing Shanahan could pass on him.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

I've had this pick as an offensive tackle for a while, but after getting the opinions of a few Chiefs fans, who presumably know their team better than I do, I'm switching this to Berry.  Berry is the BPA after Suh, and the Chiefs already have two top 5 draft picks playing at 3-4 end.  Besides, the KC defense could sure use a playmaking, ballhawking safety.

6. Seattle Seahawks - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Last year, one of the best defensive prospects in recent memory dropped right into Seattle's lap.  It happens again this year with Suh.  He is too good and offers too much value to pass up, despite what might be more pressing needs elsewhere.

7. Cleveland Browns - Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Cleveland has a dire need at the corner position (among other places) and now that Haden has quieted everyone's minds about his 40 time, he can resume his place as the odds-on favorite here

8. Oakland Raiders - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

As a Raider fan, I really don't want this to be true.  But until I hear a persuasive case otherwise....well, just have to go with the obvious.

9. Buffalo Bills - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

After a promising start to his career, Trent Edwards has fallen off and the Bills have no other legitimate options at quarterback.  They'll find their franchise guy here.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars - CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

Surprised?  Don't be.  I admit I hadn't even thought of this until recently, but the more I ponder it, the greater sense it makes.  Spiller is a dynamic weapon that can run, catch passes out of the backfield and line up in the slot.  He can also help the return game.  Paired with Maurice Jones-Drew, he can make the Jaguars offense exponentially better.  Their defense has troubles, yes, but you need to score points to win and the Jags are drafting in the top 10 for a reason

11. Denver Broncos - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

The recent release of Andra Davis only makes this pick more likely in my mind.  McClain is a beastly and natural 3-4 inside linebacker and the Broncos defense could sure use the boost.

12. Miami Dolphins - Jason Pierre-Paul, OLB, South Florida

Rush linebacker is a huge need for the 'Fins and Pierre-Paul has the athleticism to play the position.  His bust rate is high, but I think Parcells has sufficient confidence in Tony Sparano to pull the trigger.

13. San Francisco 49ers - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

You won't find hardly a mock draft out there worth reading that doesn't have right tackle help being mocked to the 49ers with one of their 1st rounders....with good reason.  Williams has extensive experience on the right side and may be better suited there anyway.

14. Seattle Seahawks - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Like the 'Niners, the Seahawks are being mocked a tackle by the majority of people and for equally good reason.  Despite concerns about his motivation, he has too much potential for Seattle to pass up.

15. New York Giants - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

With Osi Umenyiora ending the season as a backup and Justin Tuck's sack production dropping by half in 2009, the Giants have to be thinking about drafting a defensive end.  Morgan presents incredible value at this pick.

16. Tennessee Titans - Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

With Kyle Vanden Bosch's departure, the already acute need of Tennesee at defensive end has become downright dire.  Graham's stock keeps rising and rising and I don't think it's a stretch at all to take him in the top half.

17. San Francisco 49ers - Earl Thomas, S, Texas

The relatively weak San Francisco secondary could sure use someone with Thomas' skillset.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

Casey Hampton did just re-sign, but since Pittsburgh's organizational philosophy is to bring their draft picks along slowly, that won't prevent them from taking his eventual successor at nose tackle.

19. Atlanta Falcons - Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Mizzou

Weakside linebacker is a definite need, Weatherspoon is a dynamic talent, and I've read some reports of the Falcons being really high on him.  It all fits.

20. Houston Texans - Brian Price, DT, UCLA

The Texans need help along their defensive interior and Price is the BPA at that position

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

Guard is a critical need for the Bengals and Iupati is the best guard prospect to come along in years.

22. New England Patriots - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

I'm not going to let the signing of Alge Crumpler change my mind on this. A Brady to Gresham combination is one that can keep opposing defensive co-ordinators awake at night

23. Green Bay Packers - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

I thought this would be Charles Brown right up until they re-signed Chad Clifton and guaranteed him 7.5 million.  You don't sign a potential backup to that kind of contract.  Also, when you consider that Ted Thompson's draft philosophy is to take the BPA and that Donald Driver just cleared 35, the Bryant pick makes a ton of sense

24. Philadelphia Eagles - Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson

This has been my pet "surprise" pick for a while now.  Upgrades are needed at both outside linebacker spots (hopefully Stewart Bradley can return 100 percent and continue to man the middle) and Sapp's duties as "bandit" end at Clemson are similar to those expected of a strongside linebacker in a 4-3. 

25. Baltimore Ravens - Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State

When you consider that Dwan Edwards has signed elsewhere and that Trevor Pryce will be 35 by the time the 2010 season starts, you realize Baltimore would be smart to take Odrick here, who has the size and skill set to play a 3-4 DE.

26. Arizona Cardinals - Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU

The situation with Arizona's linebacking corps make Philadelphia's look minor.  Nowhere is the need greater than rush linebacker and Hughes is a guy who should excel at the spot.

27. Dallas Cowboys - Maurkice Pouncey, G, Florida

A lot of people (including me in the past) have had this as Mike Iupati.  Well, Iupati is gone in this mock.  So the Cowboys grab the next best thing in Pouncey.  He can step right in and play guard, while also being a potential backup should Andre Gurode go down with injury.  Plus, if Gurode departs at the end of his contract in a few years, the Cowboys will already have a seasoned replacement ready to go.

28. San Diego Chargers - Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

With Tomlinson gone and Sproles not the kind of back that can carry the starting load, this pick is pretty self-evident

29. New York Jets - Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

With Vernon Gholston a confirmed bust and the Jets not having much across from Calvin Pace, Rex Ryan will  want the swagger and skill that Kindle brings to the table

30. Minnesota Vikings - Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

I originally had this as Kyle Wilson, but Wilson is  more of a man cover corner.  The Vikes generally play zone in the secondary, which happens to be what McCourty is better suited for.

31. Indianapolis Colts - Charles Brown, OT, USC

Colts get huge value here and a reliable blindside protector for Peyton Manning.  Score.

32. New Orleans Saints - Everson Griffen, DE, USC

The Saints currently having nothing across from Will Smith at defensive end

ROUND 2

33. St. Louis Rams - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

A franchise quarterback needs someone to throw to and the Rams don't have many decent options.  Tate can be a start to fixing that.

34. Detroit Lions - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

Not only can Wilson help beef up an extremely thin secondary, but he can also help the return game

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Damian Williams, WR, USC

Now that the Bucs fulfilled their single greatest need with a bigtime player, they can focus on their other priority:  weapons for Josh Freeman.  How do I know that's a priority?  The GM said it was.  A good start would be drafting Williams, who has 1st round talent.

36. Kansas City Chiefs - Koa Misi, OLB, Utah

The Chiefs need a better pass-rush option across from Tamba Hali.  Mike Vrabel's usefulness as a full-time starter in the league is pretty much over.

37. Washington Redskins - Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

How DeAngelo Hall keeps tricking owners into paying him megabucks is mystifying to me.  The 'Skins need something better.

38. Cleveland Browns - Nate Allen, S, South Florida

With Brodney Pool departed, safety has become one of Cleveland's biggest needs.  Allen is a gamer and one of the most underrated prospects in the whole draft.

39. Oakland Raiders - Cam Thomas, DT, North Carolina

On a team with many weaknesses, one of the most glaring and consistent has been lack of a run defense.  Davis tried to stop the problem with Gerard Warren a few years ago, but cut him this off-season after learning what the Browns and Broncos already knew:  Warren only really tries about 1/3rd of the time . Cam Thomas is a big space eater with a good attitude and has the athleticism to land him on Davis' radar.

40. San Diego Chargers - Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama

The Chargers' defensive line depth is about as shallow as a puddle in San Diego in July.  Nowhere is it worse than at nose tackle, where Ian Scott is currently listed as their starter.  They cannot go into the season like that.  Nor will they....A.J. Smith will snatch up Cody at this pick

41. Buffalo Bills - Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana

Once you've got a franchise QB, you need to keep him upright and throwing.  Saffold has been steadily climbing draft boards and is easily the best of the non-1st round OT prospects

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Dexter McCluster, WR, Ole Miss

Remember what I said about weapons for Josh Freeman to utilize?  McCluster is a veritable Swiss army knife

43. Miami Dolphins - Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU

The Dolphins appear to be on to something in Chad Henne, but he desperately needs people to throw to

44. New England Patriots - Jahvid Best, RB, California

Best can be another dynamic weapon for Tom Brady and the New England offense, as well as maybe giving them a semblance of a running game

45. Denver Broncos - JD Walton, C, Baylor

The Broncos have to replace Casey Wiegmann and Walton is a beast

46. New York Giants - Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia

The Giants got very little out of their defensive interior last year.  Atkins can hopefully be a difference maker.

47. New England Patriots - Jason Worilds, OLB, Virginia Tech

The Patriots need major assistance at rush linebacker, and Worilds has been rising up draft boards.

48. Carolina Panthers - Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

The Panthers have got to find someone other than Steve Smith for Matt Moore to throw to. Benn is the best receiver still on the board.

49. San Francisco 49ers - John Jerry, G, Ole Miss

The 49ers guards were in and out of Mike Singletary's doghouse all year

50. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

The Chiefs use the pick they acquired when they dealt Tony Gonzalez to get another pass catching tight end.  Not saying Hernandez will ever be anything close to Gonzalez, but the Chiefs do need to find a better replacement

51. Houston Texans -  Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech

Bernard Pollard is a solid starting safety, but the Texans currently don't have much to pair with him

52. Pittsburgh Steelers - Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

William Gay was torched multiple times last year.  The Steelers have got to be looking for a better option

53. New England Patriots - Tyson Alualu, DT, California

The Patriots have had a big hole to fill at defensive end since Richard Seymour was traded.

54. Cincinnati Bengals - Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona

Cincinnati's situation at tight end is pretty bad

55. Philadelphia Eagles - Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU

After getting Ricky Sapp to man the strongside, the Eagles pick up Daryl Washington (one of the more underrated prospects in the draft) to fill in the weakside

56. Green Bay Packers - Taylor Mays, S, USC

Atari Bigby has been injured the past two seasons.  Who knows if it'll happen again and when a career-threatening one might strike.  Meanwhile, Mays can sit, take some coaching and refine his skills.  You can also argue that Mays is the BPA at this point, which fits Ted Thompson's draft strategy.

57. Baltimore Ravens - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

Injuries decimated the Ravens' cornerbacks last year.  They need more reliable depth.  And honestly, Fabian Washington isn't that good anyway.

58. Arizona Cardinals - Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale

Arizona's situation at tackle is currently in flux.  Veldheer can compete for a starting job or at the least sit and develop his raw talent and start within a year or two

59. Dallas Cowboys - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Very similar in size to Roy Williams and Miles Austin.  Could immediately step into the #3 receiver slot and possibly eclipse Williams as #2 if he has another disappointing year.

60. Seattle Seahawks - Ben Tate, RB, Auburn

Seattle's running game is dismal.  I really really like Tate and think he can team with Forsett to make an effective tandem.

61. New York Jets - Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State

The Jets situation at defensive end is precariously thin.  Carrington is a very good 3-4 DE prospect

62. Minnesota Vikings - Chad Jones, S, LSU

It could be just me, but I don't like Minnesota's safeties.

63. Indianapolis Colts - Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa

With the release of Marlin Jackson, the Colts are suddenly thin at cornerback

64. New Orleans Saints - Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State

The Saints are in need of upgrade at weakside linebacker and Bowman is huge value

ROUND 3

65. St. Louis Rams - Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest

So many holes to fill on the Rams.  Pretty much pick a position and you can make an argument for drafting a player at that spot.  Ghee is superb value and can really help out that defense by giving them a reliable cover corner.

66. Detroit Lions - Jamar Chaney, ILB, Mississippi State

With Larry Foote headed back to Pittsburgh, the Lions are weak at middle linebacker

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

The Bucs need to upgrade their pass rush and Dunlap is very good value at this pick

68. Kansas City Chiefs - Torrell Troup, NT, Central Florida

The Chiefs have a need at nose tackle and by all accounts Romeo Crennel fell in love with Troup at the East-West Shrine Game.

69. Oakland Raiders - Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas

After a great career, it's becoming increasingly clear that Cooper Carlisle is pretty much out of gas.  The Raiders could use a big, dominating run blocker at right guard and Petrus' eye-popping benchpress numbers at the Combine have to have caught Al Davis' attention

70. Philadelphia Eagles - Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State

Andy Reid's offense functions best as a two back system and while a player as special as Brian Westbrook is irreplaceable, Dixon is a very, very good runner.

71. Cleveland Browns - Joe McKnight, RB, USC

The Browns could use some insurance at running back, in case Harrison's surge at the end of last year turns out to be a fluke.  Besides, having two starting-caliber running backs is never a bad thing

72. Buffalo Bills - Linval Joseph, NT, East Carolina

The Bills are going to need a true nose tackle to man the middle of their new 3-4 defensive look and Linval Joseph is easily the best option still available at this point

73. Miami Dolphins - Reshad Jones, S, Georgia

The Gibril Wilson signing was a bust and Ryan Clark chose to return to Pittsburgh.  The Dolphins need help at safety.

74. Jacksonville Jaguars - Andre Roberts, WR, The Citadel

Other than Mike Sims-Walker, David Garrard has very little of quality at the wide receiver position to throw to.  The sure-handed Roberts can make an excellent #2.

75. Chicago Bears - Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma

This might seem like a strange pick, but Franks is big value at this selection and Chicago's secondary is kind of a mess anyway.  They need reliable cover men

76. New York Giants - Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech

Brandon Jacobs showed a disturbing drop off last year.  The Giants would be smart to have another big, bruising running back in the hole.  Even if Jacobs bounces back, Dwyer can help restore the three-headed rushing attack they had before Derrick Ward's departure

77. Tennessee Titans - Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, IUP

Owusu-Ansah can be a reliable bookend corner with Cortland Finnegan and help boost the return game

78. Carolina Panthers - Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas

Carolina's defensive interior is looking pretty weak at present

79. San Francisco 49ers - Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

I wanted to give San Fran a running back and Singletary's famous "I want winners" quote kept rattling around in my head.  Whatever his flaws, Gerhart is a winner.  Defenses will be terribly sore after having Frank Gore and Gerhart take turns battering them all day

80. Denver Broncos - Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois

Denver's guard situation needs tweaking and Asamoah is also good value

81. Houston Texans - Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennesee

A reliable back who can do everything well, Hardesty can help the Texans in their deficient run game and take a lot of pressure off Matt Schaub

82. Pittsburgh Steelers - Vladimir Ducasse, G/OT, Massachusetts

Ducasse can play both right guard and right tackle, at both of which positions the Steelers could use some help

83. Atlanta Falcons - Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State

Cox can help beef up an Atlanta secondary that was decimated by injuries in 2009.

84. Cincinnati Bengals - D'Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech

Who knows if Tank Johnson might decide to start collecting rocket launchers again

85. Cleveland Browns - Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern

Can provide more necessary depth at defensive end

86. Green Bay Packers - Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama

The secondary is starting to age and Arenas can also bring a dynamic new dimension to the return game

87. Philadelphia Eagles - Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida

Jackson and Maclin are both excellent receivers, but Philly's depth behind them is not the greatest.  Mitchell is big and fast and has tons of upside.

88. Arizona Cardinals - John Skelton, QB, Fordham

There is no way the Cardinals can be feeling 100% comfortable with Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson ready to take control of the helm.  They need to be thinking about drafting a mid-round developmental QB project, just in case.

89. Arizona Cardinals - Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan

DRC is excellent, but the rest of Arizona's corners are pretty uninspiring

90. Dallas Cowboys - Sean Lee, ILB, Penn State

Lee reminds me a bit of Keith Brooking and since Brooking is starting to get on in his years, it may be a smart idea to have a similar player waiting in the wings.

91. San Diego Chargers - Riley Cooper, WR, Florida

He fits the San Diego receiver mold and you can never have too many weapons for your elite franchise QB.

92. Cleveland Browns - Jarrett Brown, QB, West Virginia

While Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme engage in a war of mediocrity, Mike Holmgren would be wise to be sitting on a young 3rd stringer who can watch,learn and hopefully take over in a year or two

93. Minnesota Vikings - Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

I get the feeling I'm going to get grief from fans of whoever I mock Tebow to.  Well, here's the deal Vikes fans:  1) You're going to need a QB in another year 2) Tebow can do what he needs to do: sit and learn and do it from the best 3) TJack sure ain't the guy and 4) Tebow could probably grasp Childress' offense pretty quick. 

94. Indianapolis Colts - Mike Johnson, G, Alabama

Ryan Lilja's departure has created a hole at guard and Johnson seems like he'd be a fit for the Colts

95. New Orleans Saints - Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas

A great value pick at a position of need, since it doesn't look like Darren Sharper is coming back

ROUND 4

96. St. Louis Rams - Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami

97. Detroit Lions - Mike Neal, DT, Purdue

98. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - AJ Jefferson, CB, Fresno State

99. Kansas City Chiefs - Marshall Newhouse, G/OT, TCU

100. Washington Redskins - Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss

101. Seattle Seahawks - Jermaine Cunningham, DE, Florida

102. Cleveland Browns - Sergio Render, G, Virginia Tech

103. Oakland Raiders - Pat Angerer, ILB, Iowa

104. Buffalo Bills - Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati

105. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dekoda Watson, OLB, Florida State

106. Chicago Bears - Eric Olsen, G, Notre Dame

107. Miami Dolphins - Thomas Austin, G/C, Clemson

108. Tennessee Titans - Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh

109. Carolina Panthers - Taylor Price, WR, Ohio

110. San Franciso 49ers - Jeremy Williams, WR, Tulane

111. Denver Broncos - Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas

112. New York Giants - Larry Asante, S, Nebraska

113. Pittsburgh Steelers - Major Wright, S, Florida

114. Atlanta Falcons - Daniel T'eo-Nesheim, DE, Washington

115. Houston Texans - Patrick Stoudamire, CB, Western Illinois

116. New England Patriots - Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

117. Cincinnati Bengals - LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon

118. Philadelphia Eagles - Willie Young, DE, North Carolina State

119. Green Bay Packers - Matt Tennant, C, Boston College

120. Baltimore Ravens - Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson

121. Arizona Cardinals - Blair White, WR, Michigan State

122. Dallas Cowboys - Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida

123. San Diego Chargers - CJ Wilson, DE, East Carolina

124. Philadelphia Eagles - Myron Lewis, CB, Vanderbilt

125. Minnesota Vikings - Perry Riley, OLB, LSU

126. Indianapolis Colts - Roddrick Muckelroy, OLB, Texas

127. New Orleans Saints - AJ Edds, OLB, Iowa