Rick Gosselin's final mock draft

[dlions]

This guy is the best I've seen over the years. He's from Detroit and has been on the money when it comes to Lions picks. He was one of the few that had Brandon Pettigrew going to the Lions last year.

Rick Gosselin's final mock draft

By RICK GOSSELIN / The Dallas Morning News
rgosselin@dallasnews.com


1. ST. LOUIS RAMS


Sam Bradford, Quarterback, Oklahoma

The Rams have passed on potential franchise quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez in the last two drafts. Both have started NFL playoff games. St. Louis must stop ignoring the quarterback position.

Other needs: QB, Pass rush, WR, DT


2. DETROIT LIONS


Ndamukong Suh, Defensive tackle, Nebraska

The Lions need defensive size to tackle Adrian Peterson, plus an inside pass rush to pressure Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler in the division. Suh fills both bills for the NFL's 32nd-ranked defense.

Other needs: RB, CB, DL, OL


3. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS


Gerald McCoy, Defensive tackle, Oklahoma

The Buccaneers were one of the NFL's best teams throughout the 2000 decade on the strength of a dominating defensive front. Tampa Bay is no longer dominant up front. Time to reload.

Other needs: DE, DT, LB, WR


4. WASHINGTON REDSKINS


Russell Okung, Offensive tackle, Oklahoma State

If the Redskins can't protect Donovan McNabb, he will suffer the same fate as Jason Campbell (46 sacks and a loss of confidence). Incumbent Chris Samuels has retired at left tackle, so this pick becomes a walk-in starter.

Other needs: LT, QB, NT, RB


5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS


Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee

The Chiefs brought in Mike Vrabel for leadership a year ago. But he's 35 this season. Berry will be running the KC defense inside of a year. He's never not started in his football career and also offers corner cover skills.

Other needs: DT, LB, S, WR


6. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS


Trent Williams, Offensive tackle, Oklahoma

Like the Redskins, the Seahawks also need to find a blindside pass protector for their veteran quarterback. Seattle QBs were sacked 41 times last season, and Matt Hasselbeck couldn't stay healthy under that assault.

Other needs: OT, QB, RB, DE


7. CLEVELAND BROWNS


Derrick Morgan, Outside linebacker, Georgia Tech

The Browns need help across the board on defense. They traded their top pass rusher (OLB Kamerion Wimbley) to Oakland this off-season. Morgan is coming off a 12 ½-sack season at Georgia Tech.

Other needs: QB, S, CB, DE


8. OAKLAND RAIDERS


Anthony Davis, Offensive tackle, Rutgers

No quarterback – not JaMarcus Russell, Bruce Gradkowski or Charlie Frye – has a chance until the Raiders start protecting him. Oakland allowed 49 sacks in 2009. Davis is the best athlete of any left tackle on the board.

Other needs: LT, QB, LB, DE


9. BUFFALO BILLS


Dan Williams, Defensive tackle, Tennessee

The Bills are switching to a 3-4 defense in 2010, and that scheme starts with a nose tackle who can attract double- and triple-teams. Williams is that guy. At 327, he's a space-eater who makes plays.

Other needs: QB, NT, OT, WR


10. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS


Brandon Graham, Defensive end, Michigan

Graham is the most polished pass rusher in this draft. He'll have the quickest impact – and a Jacksonville defense that ranked last in the NFL in sacks is in dire need of someone who can have an instant impact.

Other needs: Pass rush, LB, S, DT


11. DENVER BRONCOS


Rolando McClain, Middle linebacker, Alabama

The Broncos cut starting inside middle linebacker Andra Davis at season's end. McClain is a walk-in starter. He won the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in college football last season.

Other needs: MLB, DT, WR, Power RB


12. MIAMI DOLPHINS


Demaryius Thomas, Wide receiver, Georgia Tech

The Dolphins have a young quarterback in Chad Henne. The way to accelerate his development is to surround him with playmakers. With the arrival of Brandon Marshall and Thomas, Henne could be a Pro Bowler very soon.

Other needs: NT, RB, S, CB


13. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS


Joe Haden, Cornerback, Florida

The 49ers will look at RB C.J. Spiller – but he'd arrive as a backup to Frank Gore. Haden walks in as a starter and fills a void in an area of need. You can't win the NFC West unless you can cover Larry Fitzgerald.

Other needs: OT, CB, S, WR


14. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS


Ryan Mathews, Halfback, Fresno State

Mathews is better suited to be an every-down back than C.J. Spiller because he has the bulk at 220 pounds. Spiller is a Reggie Bush clone at 198 pounds. The Seahawks need an every-down back to improve the NFL's 26th-ranked rushing attack.

Other needs: OT, QB, RB, DE


15. NEW YORK GIANTS


Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive end, South Florida

Pierre-Paul played only one season of college football but has the most upside of any pass rusher in this draft at 6-5, 270 with 4.64 speed. Osi Umenyiora (Troy) was supposed to be a project, too, and he became a Pro Bowler.

Other needs: MLB, Pass rush, CB, TE


16. TENNESSEE TITANS


Kyle Wilson, Cornerback, Boise State

The Titans need to improve the front and back end of their defense. But the D-line quality has vanished by this point of the draft. So the focus shifts to a very talented first-round cornerback board.

Other needs: DE, CB, S, KR


17. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS


Bryan Bulaga, Offensive tackle, Iowa

The 49ers need a right tackle to bookend Joe Staley on the left side, and the best right tackle in the draft slides to them at 17. They'd look again at C.J. Spiller, but quality tackles are harder to find than running backs.

Other needs: OT, CB, S, WR


18. PITTSBURGH STEELERS


Maurkice Pouncey, Center, Florida

With Ben Roethlisberger's future in flux, the Steelers are likely to revert to the power offense that won Super Bowls in the 1970s. But you need blockers, and Pouncey gives them flexibility at center and guard.

Other needs: Int. OL, CB, S, QB


19. ATLANTA FALCONS


Mike Iupati, Guard, Idaho

Like the Steelers, the Falcons need to get their run game back on track. They fell from first in the NFL in 2008 to 15th in 2009. Better blockers produce better runners. Iupati is the best drive-blocker in the draft.

Other needs: CB, S, Int. OL


20. HOUSTON TEXANS


C.J. Spiller, Halfback, Clemson

The Texans can't have another season from Steve Slaton like 2009. Maybe it was a sophomore slump. Spiller gives them insurance against that. He's also a fine complementary piece if Slaton does bounce back.

Other needs: RB, CB, Int. OL, S


21. CINCINNATI BENGALS


Jermaine Gresham, Tight end, Oklahoma

The Bengals need to give QB Carson Palmer a reliable safety-valve option. Cincinnati got fewer than 50 catches from its tight ends last season. Gresham can be to Palmer what Jason Witten is to Tony Romo.

Other needs: TE, DE, Int.OL, S


22. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS


Earl Thomas, Safety, Texas

The Patriots have defensive needs in this draft but also the luxury of taking the best player on the board. It's Thomas, who gives them a combination of a cover safety and ballhawk. He had eight interceptions last fall.

Other needs: TE, DL, Pass rush, CB


23. GREEN BAY PACKERS


Jerry Hughes, Outside linebacker, TCU

Dom Capers would like to give the Packers a version of the Blitzburgh scheme he ran in Pittsburgh in the 1990s. He has one elite pass rusher in Clay Matthews, and Hughes would give Capers pressure from the other side.

Other needs: Pass rush, OT, CB


24. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES


Devin McCourty, Cornerback, Rutgers

Not only is McCourty an elite cover cornerback, he may be the best special teams player in this draft. He blocked seven kicks and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in his career. He replaces Sheldon Brown.

Other needs: OL, DL, CB, TE


25. BALTIMORE RAVENS


Kareem Jackson, Cornerback, Alabama

The Ravens have always won with a physical brand of defense, and Jackson is the most physical corner in this draft. He goes from the No. 2-ranked defense in college to the No. 3-ranked defense in the NFL.

Other needs: DT, TE, CB, Pass rush


26. ARIZONA CARDINALS


Sean Weatherspoon, Outside linebacker, Missouri

The Cardinals have two huge holes in their defense with the departures this off-season of OLB Karlos Dansby and FS Antrel Rolle. Weatherspoon gives Arizona a linebacker with the same physical and athletic traits as Dansby.

Other needs: OLB, S, WR, TE


27. DALLAS COWBOYS


Dez Bryant, Wide receiver, Oklahoma State

Bryant won't slide to the Cowboys at 27, so look for Jerry Jones to move up if Bryant tumbles deep into the teens. Bryant has immaturity issues that are scaring teams off. Jones still regrets passing on Randy Moss.

Other needs: LT, S, WR, Youth on OL


28. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS


Jared Odrick, Defensive end, Penn State

The Chargers need help up front, and Odrick falls into the category of best player available. The Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year brings 304 pounds of run defense excellence to NFL's 20th-ranked run defense.

Other needs: RB, NT, Blocking TE, CB


29. NEW YORK JETS


Patrick Robinson, Cornerback, Florida State

There's a flat spot on this board from Nos. 29-32 where first-round talent runs out, and teams will be drafting what they consider second-round players. Look for the Jets to try to trade out. Failing there, give them Robinson.

Other needs: C, CB, Pass rush, RB


30. MINNESOTA VIKINGS


Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame

The Vikings were hoping a cornerback would slide to them but instead hit the jackpot with the slide of Clausen. He gives them their QB of the future when Brett Favre finally does retire, probably in 2011.

Other needs: CB, S, DT, RB


31. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS


Rodger Saffold, Offensive tackle, Indiana

The Colts released a starting guard (Ryan Lilja) this off-season, so there's an immediate opening on the AFC champions. Saffold has value in his versatility. Scouts think he can play center, guard or tackle.

Other needs: OL, DL, 2 CB


32. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS


Brian Price, Defensive tackle, UCLA

If the Saints want to repeat as NFC South champions, they must bulk up the defensive front to slow down the elite running backs at Atlanta and Carolina. Price was the Pac-10's Defensive Player of the Year.

Other needs: OLB, S, DT, Pass rusher

[cruzer1]

1. Rams- Sam Bradford, QB
2. Lions- Ndamakoung Suh, DT
3. Bucs- Gerald Mccoy, DT
4. Redskins- Russell Okung, OT
5. Chiefs- Eric Berry, S
6. Seahawks- Trent Williams, OT
7. Browns- Kyle Wilson, CB
8. Raiders- Mike Iupati, OG
9. Bills- Dan Williams, DT
10. Jaguars- Rolando McClain, LB
11. Broncos- Dez Bryant, WR
12. Dolphins- Derrick Morgan, DE/OLB
13. 49ers- C.J. Spiller, RB
14. Seahawks- Jimmy Clausen, QB
15. Giants- Jason Pierre- Paul, DE
16. Titans- Brandon Graham, DE
17. 49ers- Earl Thomas, S
18. Steelers- Joe Haden, CB
19. Falcons- Demarryius Thomas, WR
20. Texans- Ryan Mathews, RB
21. Bengals- Germaine Gresham, TE
22. Patriots- Jared Odrick, DE
23. Green Bay- Anthony Davis, OT
24. Philadelphia- Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB
25. Ravens- Brian Bulaga, OT
26. Cardinals- Maurkice Pouncey, OL
27. Cowboys- Devin McCourty, CB
28. Chargers- Terrence Cody, DT
29. Jets- Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE
30. Vikings- Patrick Robinson, CB
31. Colts- Sean Weatherspoon, LB
32. Saints- Taylor Mays, S

34. Lions- Jahvid Best, RB
66. Lions- Chris Cook, CB
100. Lions- Thaddeus Gibson, OLB

.

*Note- I switched Thomas and Wilson, it's looking like Wilson will go to Cleveland.*

[MotownWebGuy]

Is this guy related to John and Kate?

[slfairless]

.

*Note- I switched Thomas and Wilson, it's looking like Wilson will go to Cleveland.*

You still think Best will go to the Lions even though he said they have shown no interest in him?

[dlions]

cruzer1

Looks pretty good. the only major areas of disagreement I have with your mock are # 7 Browns - Kyle Wilson ,# 8 Raiders - Mike Iupati & # 28 Chargers -Terrence Cody.

#7 Browns - E. Thomas - S
#8 Raiders - Jason Pierre-Paul - DE -OLB - this may be a reach, but I'm trying to think like Davis. They will try land Bruce Campbell OT in round 2

#28 Chargers -Ryan Mathews RB

[Porcelain God]

Can't wait for this thing to start! Vodka chilling, olives marinating, and vermouth just staring stupidly at me (cause that's all vermouth really can do).

[DetroitCity313]

Can't wait for this thing to start! Vodka chilling, olives marinating, and vermouth just staring stupidly at me (cause that's all vermouth really can do).

Lions management needs to thank God Detroit fans are like we are. Horrible season after horrible season yet we all still get pumped up for the draft every year and are excited for the season more than teams that actually make the playoffs.

Can't find better fans in any city.

[Porcelain God]

Well, tonight is the Lions Super Bowl. So much better to read and hear about a lot of these guys than to actually have to see them play.

Why the NFL (and draft) towers above all other sports - Michael Rosenberg - SI.com

[Buddha]

Lions management needs to thank God Detroit fans are like we are. Horrible season after horrible season yet we all still get pumped up for the draft every year and are excited for the season more than teams that actually make the playoffs.

Can't find better fans in any city.

There are plenty of cities with football fans just as devoted as Lions fans, if not more devoted.

Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Dallas...

[DetroitCity313]

There are plenty of cities with football fans just as devoted as Lions fans, if not more devoted.

Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Dallas...

Well I would also look at the product Pittsburgh and Dallas puts out there. A lot easier to be devoted when your team is in contention every year.

[slfairless]

Can't wait for this thing to start! Vodka chilling, olives marinating, and vermouth just staring stupidly at me (cause that's all vermouth really can do).

LOL... I just got the beer on ice.

[Hongbit]

Well, tonight is the Lions Super Bowl. So much better to read and hear about a lot of these guys than to actually have to see them play.

Why the NFL (and draft) towers above all other sports - Michael Rosenberg - SI.com

Another tremendous article from one of the top journalists around. I could read Rosenberg all day.

[cruzer1]

Now that Berry looks like he's going to the Redskins, I've got to re-do it...

1. Rams- Bradford
2. Lions- Suh
3. Bucs- McCoy
4. Skins- Berry
5. Chiefs- Trent Williams
6. Seahawks- Okung
7. Browns- Haden
8. Raiders- Pivotal pick here, I'm going to change course and give them C.J. Spiller.
9. Bills- Another big call. Tough to take Tebow here, maybe 2nd. Dan Williams
10. Jaguars- Not really sold on this pick. Rolando McClain.
11. Broncos- Dez Bryant
12. Dolphins- Another tough read. Demarius Thomas
13. 49ers- Kyle Wilson
14. Seahawks- Clausen
15. Giants- Derrick Morgan
16. Titans- Graham
17. 49ers- Anthony Davis
18. Steelers- Earl Thomas- Hard to see him falling this far.
19. Falcons- Pouncey
20. Texans- Matthew- Sure pick in my mind.
21. Bengals- Gresham
22. Patriots- Odrick
23. Packers- McCourty
24. Eagles- Iupati- I don't feel strong about this pick, either.
25. Ravens- Kindle
26. Cardinals- Weatherspoon
27. Cowboys- Taylor Price, WR.
28. Chargers- Kareem Jackson
29. Jets- Bulaga- Hard to see him fall out of the first.
30. Vikings- Jahvid Best
31. Colts- Charles Brown
32. Saints- Daryl Washington

Yes, this can be called my final, final official mock...

[JonBenke]

My little brother, stationed in Miami, told me via text that Brandon Graham won't make it pass 12.

[Porcelain God]

Cruzer, why do you think that the Vikings go RB?

[djhutch]

Lions take Suh in the 1st, Taylor Mays in the 2nd, Toby Gerhart in the 3rd.

Tebow goes in the first .. to the Vikings.

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

Another tremendous article from one of the top journalists around. I could read Rosenberg all day.

I really like how he wrapped up the article:

And this goes back to the obsession. Fans of lousy NFL teams are not just tuning in to see if their roster can improve. They are looking for hope. You can be sure that when the first players go off the board, their new coaches will say they aren't saviors. They're just good football players. But if you're a fan of an awful team, you already know about good players. They're the ones who play for other teams. And that's why you look for a savior.

[cruzer1]

Cruzer, why do you think that the Vikings go RB?

They have a history of taking speed.

[TigerPride8301]

I thought Taylor Mays was going in the first to the Seahawks? Thanks to Pete Carroll

[Motowncool]

Lions take Suh in the 1st, Taylor Mays in the 2nd, Toby Gerhart in the 3rd.

Tebow goes in the first .. to the Vikings.

I would like this except change Toby to McCluster in the 3rd. Tebow to Jags or Pats

[Buddha]

Now that Berry looks like he's going to the Redskins, I've got to re-do it...

1. Rams- Bradford
2. Lions- Suh
3. Bucs- McCoy
4. Skins- Berry
5. Chiefs- Trent Williams
6. Seahawks- Okung
7. Browns- Haden
8. Raiders- Pivotal pick here, I'm going to change course and give them C.J. Spiller.
9. Bills- Another big call. Tough to take Tebow here, maybe 2nd. Dan Williams
10. Jaguars- Not really sold on this pick. Rolando McClain.
11. Broncos- Dez Bryant
12. Dolphins- Another tough read. Demarius Thomas
13. 49ers- Kyle Wilson
14. Seahawks- Clausen
15. Giants- Derrick Morgan
16. Titans- Graham
17. 49ers- Anthony Davis
18. Steelers- Earl Thomas- Hard to see him falling this far.
19. Falcons- Pouncey
20. Texans- Matthew- Sure pick in my mind.
21. Bengals- Gresham
22. Patriots- Odrick
23. Packers- McCourty
24. Eagles- Iupati- I don't feel strong about this pick, either.
25. Ravens- Kindle
26. Cardinals- Weatherspoon
27. Cowboys- Taylor Price, WR.
28. Chargers- Kareem Jackson
29. Jets- Bulaga- Hard to see him fall out of the first.
30. Vikings- Jahvid Best
31. Colts- Charles Brown
32. Saints- Daryl Washington

Yes, this can be called my final, final official mock...

That's cheating!

Why would the Steelers take another safety and the Vikings take another RB?

What are the chances that the Steelers take a QB?

[cruzer1]

That's cheating!

Why would the Steelers take another safety and the Vikings take another RB?

What are the chances that the Steelers take a QB?

The Steelers have 4 QB's on the roster, so I think nil. They had issues when they lost Polamalu last year, Earl Thomas could play nickel for them, and safety on third down. I really don't believe he'll go there, but he can't go any lower than that. The Vikings could take Best as a third down back, and to keep him from going to the Lions. I have long thought he was very much in play there.

[Buddha]

I think the Vikings will go QB if Clausen or Tebow is there. If not, then possibly OLine or DT...Williams can't play forever.

I bet that if Thomas is there, someone will trade up for him. Like the Eagles who really need safety help and have a lot of extra picks.

Berry to the Redskins? That's nuts for a team with no draft picks and no tackles on their roster. I still think it's Trent Williams.

[cruzer1]

I think the Vikings will go QB if Clausen or Tebow is there. If not, then possibly OLine or DT...Williams can't play forever.

I bet that if Thomas is there, someone will trade up for him. Like the Eagles who really need safety help and have a lot of extra picks.

Berry to the Redskins? That's nuts for a team with no draft picks and no tackles on their roster. I still think it's Trent Williams.

If the Vikes go QB, I think it would be a wasted pick, and I'd welcome that. I think they should go corner, but they have a need at RB2, and Best would fit that.

[Corky]

I thought Taylor Mays was going in the first to the Seahawks? Thanks to Pete Carroll

They may trade down with # 14 to pick up some more mid-round picks. No third this year. If they drop down from 14 I could see them taking him later in the first.