2010 NFL Mock Draft – Rounds 1-3

Round 1

1.    Tennessee Titans: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

The Titans badly need a franchise quarterback that can help turn their team around.  Lucky for them there’s a talented qb out there with the ability to take a bad team and beat some great teams.  Locker is just the type of player they need: a competitor with a strong arm and amazing wheels.  Although Locker had a sub-par game against Oregon last Saturday, Locker appears to have arrived as a top quarterback in this year’s draft.

2.    St Louis Rams: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Clausen is another quarterback who’s surprising people with a great season.  Like Locker, Clausen is a great leader playing well in big games.  He has lead Notre Dame in some comebacks and nearly had comebacks against Michigan and USC.  If Clausen comes out early, he could be the top qb taken.  He is a very polished quarterback with great decision making and strong mechanics.  He also possesses a strong arm and can throw one of the best deep balls in all of college football.  Clausen could be the type of leader to turn the Rams around.

3.    Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

The Bucs are targeting Suh because he can help in their run game as well as their pass game.  Suh is one of the most physically gifted linemen in the country.  He has raw strength and is probably one of the fastest linemen in recent history.  Suh has a great motor when going after the QB and uses his quick feet to beat offensive linemen.  He’s exactly the type of player the Bucs can build their defense around.

4.    Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Matt Cassell may be the quarterback of the future for the Chiefs, but they need to protect their investment with a left tackle in this year’s draft.  Okung is the top left tackle in the college ranks and projects well to the NFL.  He has ideal size at 6-6 305 and really knows how to use his size to engulf smaller defenders.  He dominates defenders with his lunge and at times it seems as if he is trying to tackle the defensive lineman.

5.    Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Defensive tackle is a big need for the Lions.  Lucky for them, 2010 is a great year for d-tackles.  McCoy is one of the top interior defensive lineman in the college ranks and has really been opening eyes in Oklahoma.  He has great leadership ability and excels at both stuffing the run as well as rushing the passer.

6.    Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

The Browns need a good safety to help them in the passing game.  Considered one of the top safety prospects in a long time, Tennessee safety Eric Berry is considered by some the top player in this draft.  He is excellent in coverage, hits like a ton of bricks, and is a game changer in the secondary.  He has game changing speed so if he gets his hands on a pick, don’t expect anyone to stop him.  His speed could also allow him to return punts, making him an even more valuable prospect

7.    Oakland Raiders: Taylor Mays, S, USC

This should be a no-brainer considering Davis’ fetish for freak athletes with great 40 times.  Mays is simply a beast at safety.  He has been timed at under 4.3 in the 40 and possesses the strength and toughness to deliver bone-jarring hits to ball carriers.  He is excellent in run support as well as in coverage.  This athletic freak will strike fear in players who dare to cross the middle for years in the NFL.

8.    Seattle Seahawks: Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Thomas is fairly small but is a feisty defender.  He likes to hit and is always around the ball.  He has excellent coverage skills and has great hands.  He has great vision against the deep ball, making him valuable as either a corner or free safety.  Because of his size and playing ability, many people compare Thomas to current NFL safety Bob Sanders.

9.    Buffalo Bills: Terrance Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Trent Williams is a versatile lineman who can play multiple spots along the offensive line.  He is very big (6-5 300) but is very athletic.  He has surprisingly good feet for a player his size.  He doesn’t give up an inch to the defensive line.  He gets up in the face of the linemen and plays till the whistle.

10.    Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Bradford’s draft position will no doubt change in the months leading to the draft.  His injury and his ability to recover from it will no doubt determine where he lands.  For now, a team like the Redskins in need of a big-name qb could draft Bradford in the top ten.  Despite the injury, he has all the tools to make it in the NFL.  Bradford possesses elite arm strength, tremendous accuracy, and footwork.

11.    San Francisco 49ers(from Carolina): Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

The niners need to upgrade their tackles to really reach the next level.  Since they have two first round picks, they should use one on a talented tackle. At 6-6 315, Bulaga is somewhat of a physical specimen.  Bulaga, like last year’s top tackle Jason Smith, is a former tight end who knows how to move.  Bulaga is an excellent all-around player who could excel in the zone-blocking scheme.  He plays hard on every down and plays with a nasty streak that coaches love.

12.    Miami Dolphins: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

The Dolphins could use a linebacker in the middle of their defense who can help them stuff the run.  McClain is a talented prospect with tons of potential.  He should excel inside in a 3-4 defense, making McClain a perfect match for the Dolphins.

13.    San Diego Chargers: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Dez Bryant has run into some legal problems but he is still the most talented receiver in the draft.  The Chargers could use a receiver next year and would love to have a talent like Bryant.  He is a big time playmaker, much like Percy Harvin except bigger.  He has big time speed that allows him burn defenders and possesses terrific hands.  He is a true #1 receiver who has dominated in the college ranks.

14.    Jacksonville Jaguars: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Tebow has a high bust rate, but this would be a great pick for the Jaguars.  He would fit well in Jack Del Rio’s system.  He has tremendous leadership ability, great running ability, and a good arm.  He’s also a fierce competitor who motivates teammates.  But a big reason this is a good pick for the jags is because Tebow’s a local boy and could help fill the stadium.

15.    Houston Texans: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

This is a great pick for the Texans at a position of need.  Haden is another freak of an athlete.  At just 190 pounds, Haden can bench press 400 pounds.  He also has a 38 inch vertical jump and possesses excellent speed and quickness.  He has average instincts but makes up for it with his physical ability.

16.    Baltimore Ravens: Devin Ross, CB, Arizona

At 5′11 175 pounds, Ross has the size and athletic ability to play at the next level. He also has the skill. Ross was 2nd team all pac 10 last year and is looking great so far this year. Ross is a hard worker with solid fundamentals and no real weaknesses. Ross should be a household name come draft time.

17.    New York Jets: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

The Jets and Mark Sanchez could use a talented receiver.  Benn is big (6-2 220), fast, and can pick up yards after the catch.  He is one of the most physical wide receivers in the college ranks and makes ridiculous catches.  On top of that, he can really make people miss in the open field.  He is extremely agile and possesses the physical talent to be a combine darling.

18.    San Francisco 49ers: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

The niners are in need of a talented quarterback to take them to the next level.  Texas’ Colt McCoy has fallen a bit this year has the potential to be a star at the next level.  He has tremendous running ability for such a good passer.  McCoy, who has the ability to run a 4.6 40, has a decent arm that could use work.  In addition, being a 4-year starter, McCoy has the experience to start right away if need be.  His confidence and work ethic will help him succeed in the NFL.

19.    Arizona Cardinals: Greg Hardy, OLB, Ole Miss

The Cardinals are starting to play well but their defense could use a punishing pass rusher.  Hardy is one of the top 3-4 rush linebackers in college.  Hardy is a great pass rusher with excellent athleticism.  The one knock on Hardy is his motor, which could get him into trouble come draft time.  Regardless, Hardy has a ton of potential and could excel in Arizona.

20.    Philadelphia Eagles: Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State

Bowman is one of the top linebackers in this draft, which happens to be a position of need for the Eagles.  Bowman has great instincts and plays with a lot of passion.  He can also cover ground in an instant.  He is a bit undersized, but his talent is enough to potentially land him in the first round.

21.    Dallas Cowboys: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

This is probably a bit high for Campbell, but he’s got a ton of potential.  He is a physical specimen who moves well for a player his size.  The Cowboys could definitely use a talented hard working tackle to anchor their line.  Campbell has been injured this year but he will have an awesome combine.

22.    Denver Broncos (from Chicago): Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU

LaFell has good size (6-3 200) and decent speed (sub 4.5) which he uses to his advantage.  He also plays very physical.  Despite being a good college receiver, he’ll need to work on using his size and increasing his speed if he wants to move up in the draft.

23.    Green Bay Packers: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

Texas’ Sergio Kindle could easily be this year’s best linebacker.  After injuries slowed down his first couple of seasons at Texas, a healthy Kindle showed why he was so highly regarded out of high school.  Kindle is excellent at rushing the passer.  He is great at shedding blocks and his 4.6 speed allows him to get to the QB in a flash.  If he can improve his instincts, the sky’s the limit for Kindle.

24.    New England Patriots: Arthur Jones, DE, Syracuse

The Patriots could use a defensive end for their 3-4 defense and could land a great one in Arthur Jones.  He has good size for a defensive end and can move well for a player his size.  He plays hard thru the whistle and has great power.  He could work on his pass rush moves but he has enough skill to get after the quarterback.

25.    Pittsburgh Steelers: Terrance Cody, DT, Alabama

Cody has the potential to be a great player and the Steelers could draft him to start at NT in a few years.  What stands out with Terrence Cody is his amazing size.  He is a mammoth of a man at 6-6 370 and can really move.  He is a beast against the run and can move well laterally.  The one problem with large players like Cody is that they can either shine or eat themselves out of the league faster than anyone else in the draft.  It will take a lot of hard work and dedication from Cody to really play up to his potential.

26.    Cincinnati Bengals: Jahvid Best, RB, California

Jahvid Best from California is arguably the most electrifying player in college football.  His highlight reels are among the best around.  He was a highly regarded track athlete in high school, where he ran a 10.32 100 and was the state’s top 100 meter runner.  But he is much more than a track star.  He has amazing agility, balance, and quickness to go along with his world class speed.  If he can harness his natural ability, he will be a star in the NFL.

27.    Atlanta Falcons: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

At 6-6 290, Dunlap is a monster coming off the edge.  He can beat a lineman either with his agility or pure brute strength.  He has excellent pass rushing skills but needs to work on his technique a little more.  The best part about Dunlap is that he has a boatload of potential.  The big knock on Dunlap that is starting to hurt his stock is his effort level.  Regardless, he is ultra talented and should land in the first round.

28.    New York Giants: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

Brandon Spikes is another player who could have come out early and been drafted in the first round last year.  The Giants could use Spikes to add youth to their defense.  What separates Spikes from other defensive prospects is his instincts and toughness.  Those two skills alone will help him succeed at the next level.  He also has great speed and strength which help him dominate on defense.

29.    New Orleans Saints: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

The Saints need a defensive player that they can plug in the middle of their defense.  Austin has all the god-given talents a player could ask for.  If he can work more on his technique and feet, Austin can truly be an elite prospect.  At this point, however, he is very raw.  He needs to work hard to make it big in the NFL.

30.    Indianapolis Colts: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

Weatherspoon is a solid prospect with good instincts and speed.  He is a good blitzer and is able to cover receivers.  He may not be the biggest or fastest linebacker around, but Weatherspoon can flat out play.

31.    Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

The Vikings need a pass rusher to help their defense.  Morgan is a tremendous athlete coming off the edge.  He plays with great intensity and his motor never stops running.  He has good size for a defensive end (6-4 270) to go along with his amazing athleticism.

32.    Seattle Seahawks(from Denver): Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss

The Seahawks really need a quarterback who can lead their team.  Snead is struggling this year and his draft stock is plummeting, but he is very talented.  He has a quick release, which gives him some extra time in the pocket, as well as elite arm strength.  He had some accuracy problems early on, but has since worked on it and shown he is a quick learner.

Round 2

1.    New England Patriots(from Tennessee): Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU

Hughes is another pass rushing specialist who should play outside linebacker in the 3-4. The Patriots could use him to help their aging defense.  His blend of size and speed make him a valuable prospect.  He moves well and is very disciplined.  If he can improve his motor, he should be a first round prospect.

2.    St Louis Rams: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

The Rams could use help along the defensive line across from Chris Long.  Graham is a big time threat coming off the edge. His athleticism allows him to attack the quarterback with ease. Because of his size (6-2 270) and speed (4.6 40), Graham may be better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Graham is a freak of an athlete and has the tools to punish offenses in the NFL.

3.    Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Damien Williams, WR, USC

The Bucs will need a playmaker at wide receiver next year.  Williams is a safe bet to succeed in the NFL.  He may not have as high a ceiling as Dez Bryant or Arrelious Benn, but he can flat out play.  He is a great route runner, has sure hands, good speed, and is a smart player.

4.    Kansas City Chiefs: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Gresham is one of the top tight ends to come out of the college ranks.  Gresham is big (6-6 260), athletic, and has solid hands.  To top it off, he is an excellent blocker for such an outstanding pass-catching tight end.  Not many tight ends with the pass-catching ability of Gresham are willing to lay their bodies on the line but Gresham likes to deliver the crushing blocks.

5.    Detroit Lions: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Price, the top young d-tackle in the league, has been turning heads with his remarkable play at UCLA.  Price is extremely quick off the ball and has natural brute strength to go along with his athleticism.

6.    Cleveland Browns: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

The Browns need an explosive back to help their offense.  Spiller is a good big-play back who has been lighting it up in the college ranks.  Spiller has excellent quickness and can be a good return man.  If Spiller runs a good 40 at the combine, look for many teams to show interest in the talented back.

7.    Oakland Raiders: Charles Brown, OT, USC

The Raiders are desperate for a tackle and Brown could be perfect for their zone blocking scheme.  Brown is a former tight end so you know he can really move. He played left tackle for the Trojans and played admirably.  His run blocking could improve but his athleticism allowed him to be a good pass protector.

8.    Seattle Seahawks: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech

Jonathan Dwyer is a beast on the football field who could be the future of the Seahawks offense.  He is more of a power back who has excellent speed.  His power allows him to run through tackles.  Although he has all the physical tools, he needs to work on his vision and instincts.  He is the best all around back in this draft but needs to work on some things to be truly dominant.

9.    Buffalo Bills: Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

The Bills could use a qb so they could take a look at Cincinnati’s Tony Pike.  Pike is a solid pocket passer with decent accuracy and good decision making.  He is also mentally tough, bouncing back from a broken arm.  He has the tools to do well in the NFL but has a lot to work on.

10.    Washington Redskins: Ciron Black, OT, LSU

For a player his size (6-5 320), Black can really move.  He has the ability to run a 5.2 40 and excels in pass blocking.  His talent makes the players around him better.  What separates Black, however, is his character.  Much like center Eric Wood charmed scouts in interviews, Black will impress scouts with his high character and intelligence.

11.    Carolina Panthers: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

The Panthers have many other needs but Bruce Carter could be too good to pass up at this point.  This former high school quarterback has developed into a good looking linebacker at North Carolina, using his superior athleticism to stop offenses.

12.    Miami Dolphins: Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson

Sapp is one of the top pass rushers in this draft.  He is very explosive when attacking the quarterback and moves well in space.  He also does a decent job shadowing receivers when asked to do so.  He can add some power to his game but should be a top prospect at OLB.

13.    San Diego Chargers: Evan Royster, RB, Penn State

The Chargers need an every down back who can move the chains.  Penn State’s Evan Royster has great speed and instincts with great quickness.  He is a threat to score with the ball in his hands.

14.    Jacksonville Jaguars: Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama

The Jags could use some help on the interior of their offensive line.  Mike Johnson is a tough offensive guard who excels as a run blocker.  He also played some left tackle when needed.

15.    Houston Texans: Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke

For a player his size (6-6 300), Oghobaase can sure put pressure on quarterbacks.  He is surprisingly agile.  He has great footwork and is good at stuffing the run.  With his size and athleticism, he could also be looked at as an end in the 3-4.

16.    Baltimore Ravens: Jason Pierre-Paul, OLB, South Florida

The Ravens could use a pass rusher and could find a sleeper in Jason Pierre-Paul.  Formerly a juco transfer, Pierre-Paul is relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback.  He is quick off the snap and quick around the edge.  He uses his hands well and plays with a tremendous motor.  He isn’t getting as much press as teammate George Selvie, but with continued success Pierre-Paul could land high in the draft.

17.    New York Jets: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

The Jets need a tough player to anchor their defense.  Odrick is another big, strong and agile tackle.  His ability to stop the run and cause pressure in passing plays has caused teams to look at Odrick.  He has the potential to be the type of player teams can build their defense around.

18.    San Francisco 49ers: George Selvie, OLB, South Florida

The niners could use an OLB who can rush the passer.  Selvie is a talented pass rusher and could excel as a 3-4 rush linebacker.  He led the nation in tackles for loss a few years ago and really knows how to disrupt the offense in the backfield.  He plays with great effort but needs to be more fluid in space to truly be a great OLB.

19.    Arizona Cardinals: Kristopher O’Dowd, OC, USC

The Cardinals need interior lineman and would love to add O’Dowd to their line.  This young prospect is arguably the best interior lineman in the country.  After starting as a true freshman at USC, O’Dowd has really opened eyes.  He plays with good leverage, has good feet, and plays with aggression.

20.    Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Allen, S, South Florida

Allen possesses good size and speed.  He roams center field waiting to make plays.  He is excellent in both coverage and against the run.  Allen is also very instinctual and could move up even more with continued success.

21.    Dallas Cowboys: Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse

Mike Williams has good size and speed for a receiver.  He gets good separation on his routes and does a good job catching the ball.  He isn’t the most elusive or quick player but is very productive.

22.    New England Patriots(from Chicago): Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

Patrick Robinson has all the tools to make it in the NFL as a shutdown corner.  He has great speed, has great hands, and really plays the ball well in the air.  He blankets receivers and has great closing speed so QB’s are reluctant to throw in his direction.  He needs to work on his discipline, but that will come with experience.

23.    Green Bay Packers: Jason Fox, OT, Miami

The Packers need a talented tackle to protect Rodgers.  Fox is a talented but raw prospect that a team could take a chance on during the first day.  He has good size for a tackle and has played both left and right tackle.

24.    New England Patriots: Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas

Stuckey doesn’t have excellent height but he possesses good speed and bulk.  He works hard and tries to model his game after fellow short safety Bob Sanders.  Like Sanders, Stuckey is a solid open field tackler and possesses good coverage skills.

25.    Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina

Norwood is a good sized end who is skilled at rushing the passer.  He racked up 9 sacks last season and could excel in the 3-4.  He had a chance to be drafted last season but returned to school to work on his stock.

26.    Cincinnati Bengals: Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois

Asamoah moves well for an interior lineman and excels in both run and pass blocking.  He plays with a mean streak and exerts top effort from snap to whistle.  He does a good job in short pulls and does a good job staying in front of lineman.

27.    Atlanta Falcons: Rod Muckelroy, OLB, Texas

What makes Muckelroy so special is his instincts.  He is one of the best in the college ranks at diagnosing plays.  He is a tough worker both on and off the field but lacks good speed.  His lack of speed can be an issue with fast backs, but he does have some room to grow into a middle linebacker.

28.    New York Giants: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

Dowling is a good sized corner at 6-2 200.  He also has good speed and athleticism that allows him to match up to any receiver he lines up against.  He is a very talented shut down corner who should move up with a good junior campaign.

29.    New Orleans Saints: Selvish Capers, OT, WVU

The Saints need a tackle who can protect the passer.  Capers is a solid pass protector who’s starting to turn heads.  He can shut down solid pass rushers but needs to work on his technique.

30.    Indianapolis Colts: Gene Atkins, DT, Georgia

Atkins is a bit undersized at 6-1 290, but his speed and quickness allow him to make plays. He has the ability to run under 4.8 in the 40 and can get to the quarterback. His athleticism could allow him to play in the Tampa 2 or play as a defensive end in the 3-4.

31.    Minnesota Vikings: Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan

The Vikings will need to look for the future past Brett Favre and draft a talented quarterback for the future.  One of the bright young quarterbacks that they could find in the second round is Dan LeFevour.  He has great poise, accuracy, and can save himself some time with his feet.

32.    Denver Broncos: Sean Lee, ILB, Penn State

Lee is a solid linebacker from Penn State who killed his stock with a knee injury.  Regardless, he is a talented prospect who has first round talent.  A team could decide to take a chance on him and draft him on the first day.

Round 3

1.    Tennessee Titans: Corey Wooton, DE, Northwestern

Wootton is another talented d-end with good size and tons of upside.  He has tons of room to add weight and could excel as a 3-4 end.  He is very quick to the ball and should move further up draft boards.

2.    St Louis Rams: Joe McKnight, RB, USC

McKnight will likely be drafted as an athlete. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands, whether it’s taking a pitch or catching a pass lined up as a receiver. He is much like former Trojan Reggie Bush, except not as fast or elusive.

3.    Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian

What is impressive about Washington is his pass protection.  He rarely gets beat by quick pass rushers and plays with good leverage against the bull rush.  He plays with a tough mean streak and is a tough run blocker.

4.    Kansas City Chiefs: Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati

Mardy is a great prospect from the Big East.  He has solid hands and is a terrific athlete with outstanding speed.  He is able to stretch the field with his speed and is also a premiere return man.  If he can add weight, look for Gilyard’s stock to sky rocket.

5.    Detroit Lions: Syd‘Quan Thompson, CB, California

Thompson is a short corner at only 5’9 but he plays with a lot of heart.  After getting torched in his first start by former Vol receiver Robert Meachem, Thompson turned up his game and became a premier corner.  He is fierce in run support and tackles ball carriers with everything he has.  He can also return punts if need be.

6.    Cleveland Browns: Tim Hiller, QB, Western Michigan

Hiller has some durability issues, but he is tough as nails and possesses intangibles to make him a good prospect.  Hiller is extremely smart (4.0 gpa) and possesses an amazing arm.  He has a cannon of an arm and throws with great accuracy.  He has been having knee problems but again is a tough competitor.

7.    Oakland Raiders: Micah Johnson, ILB, Kentucky

Johnson is just the type of linebacker the Raiders need.  He has good speed, which we all know is a prerequisite for the Raiders defense.  He is also tough against the run and is a solid open field tackler.

8.    Philadelphia Eagles(from Seattle): Melvin Williams: S, North Carolina

Melvin Williams from North Carolina is an up and coming safety prospect.  He was a highly regarded juco transfer before ending up in North Carolina.  Upon arrival, scouts took note of Williams’ ball hawking ability and physical ability.

9.    Buffalo Bills: Greg Matthews, WR, Michigan

Greg Mathews is a terrific athlete with seemingly unlimited star potential. His statistics don’t reflect his remarkable play because the poor quarterback situation for Michigan. If Michigan manages to find a way to get Mathews the ball, expect to see his draft stock soar. Mathews has all the intangibles to be a superior NFL receiver. At 6’3 and 210 pounds, he already has the frame to make it in the NFL.

10.    Washington Redskins: Anthony McCoy, TE, USC

McCoy is a talented and productive tight end for the Trojans.  He has good size and speed and possesses good hands.  He needs to work on his route running and blocking skills to be effective in the NFL.

11.    Carolina Panthers: Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

In a Pac-10 loaded with talented corners and safeties, Verner was a 1st team all pac 10 cornerback as just a junior. Verner was able to do this despite having little help around him at UCLA, shutting his man down even though he was targeted almost every possession. Verner has blazing speed and could also be a great return man at the pro level.

12.    Miami Dolphins: Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee

There’s nothing flashy about Hardesty, but he is a solid back.  He is a bit unknown but is looking to break out.  Hardesty runs hard every play and is capable of breaking a big play, but he isn’t known as a big play back.

13.    San Diego Chargers: Antonio Coleman, OLB, Auburn

Coleman projects best as a 3-4 olb.  He has good size and speed for the position and possesses numerous tools to disrupt the quarterback.  He needs to work on his motor but he has a ton of potential.

14.    Jacksonville Jaguars: Willie Young, DE, NC State

Willie Young doesn’t possess ideal bulk but has room to grow.  Young is a solid pass rusher who flashes potential to play linebacker in a 3-4, but seems to lack the coverage ability and instincts to do so.  Could make a living as a situational pass rusher.

15.    Houston Texans: Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

The Texans need a back who can pound it into the end zone.  Lucky for them, Gerhart is one of the best in college at doing so.  Gerhart is powerfully built and rarely goes down after first contact.  He isn’t very affective outside the tackles but his ability in short yardage situations should get him drafted.

16.    Baltimore Ravens: D’Anthony Smith, DE, Louisiana Tech

Smith primarily played DT in college but I actually like Smith as a defensive end in the 3-4.  Smith has some experience playing end.  He has great athleticism for a player his size and can rush the quarterback.  He is also very coachable, making such a move easy.

17.    New York Jets: Tyson Alualu, DE, California

There’s nothing flashy about Alualu but he makes plays at d-end.  He is good against the run and has experience in the 3-4.  He can also put some pressure on the QB despite being doubled.

18.    San Francisco 49ers: EJ Wilson, DE, North Carolina

Wilson is a big and athletic defensive end from North Carolina who’s putting together a great season.  His physical ability alone would get him noticed but Wilson has really stepped up his game and his skills are helping his draft stock.

19.    Arizona Cardinals: Garrett Graham, TE, Wisconsin

Nothing flashy about Graham.  Has good hands but his size, strength, and speed are average at best.  He isn’t overly explosive and isn’t the best blocker, but tries hard and has good technique.

20.    Philadelphia Eagles: AJ Jefferson, CB, Fresno State

Jefferson has great size and speed for a corner.  He can shut down receivers and force quarterbacks to look the other way.  Jefferson is also one of the best return specialists in the country.  Jefferson is a threat to score every time he has the ball in his hands.

21.    Dallas Cowboys: Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech

Burnett is having a great season so far for Georgia Tech.  He is creating turnovers and making plays all over the field.  Although Burnett isn’t yet well known, he has the potential to continue rising in the draft with a great finish to the year.

22.    Chicago Bears: CJ Wilson, DE, East Carolina

Wilson has good size for a d-end but can move well for a player his size (6-3 275).  He recorded 10.5 sacks as a junior, proving he can get after the QB.  He could improve his straight line speed but he looks good as an every down end.

23.    Green Bay Packers: Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest

Ghee possesses good size and speed for a corner.  He has fluid hips but needs to work on his footwork and instincts to really be successful.  He is starting to get noticed by scouts, but needs to work on his technique to continue rising.

24.    Oakland Raiders(from New England): Brandon Deaderick, DT, Alabama

Deaderick is another player the Raiders could use to help their ailing defense.  Deaderick is fairly athletic for such a big player, making him a great player in Al Davis’ book.  He is also one of the toughest players around.  Just days after getting shot in the arm, Deaderick recovered quick and played the following game.

25.    Pittsburgh Steelers: John Jerry, G, Ole Miss

Jerry is a huge guard prospect from Mississippi.  The younger brother of Falcon’s DT Peria Jerry, John Jerry is surprisingly agile for a player his size.  He can struggle with smaller defenders, but he really shows potential as a guard.

26.    Cincinnati Bengals: Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon

Dickson possesses good size and speed for a tight end.  He has many strength records at Oregon, proving he has a good work ethic.  He also possesses strong hands, but needs to polish his route running.

27.    Atlanta Falcons: Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida

Murphy is a solid cover corner from South Florida.  He has good physical tools and has some good coverage skills, but needs to work on his technique.  Isn’t great in run support but plays aggressively.

28.    New York Giants: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

Iupati is a big guard with good blocking ability.  The big knock is his awareness and experience.  He needs to work on recognizing stunts and blitzes before he gets to the NFL, but he is a great run and pass blocker.

29.    New Orleans Saints: Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson

Ford’s size will hurt his stock, but he possesses great speed.  Desean Jackson has shown how effective a smaller receiver can be.  Ford is as shifty and quick as they come.  Also possesses great hands and good route running ability.

30.    Indianapolis Colts: Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa

Calloway had some trouble with the law earlier this year, but he is a solid right tackle.  He is a better run blocker than a pass blocker but is a good athlete who can stop pass rushers.

31.    Minnesota Vikings: Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU

Pitta is a good receiver but needs to work on his blocking.  He has soft hands and catches everything thrown his way.  He just needs to work on his blocking and his speed.

32.    Denver Broncos: Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas

Shipley’s having a remarkable season but scouts aren’t super high on the receiver because of his height.  He could make a great slot receiver and make a living returning kicks but don’t expect much more.

By Brian Ishida

Lead NFL Draft Analyst for ScoutingTheSports.com

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