We’re just a week away from the 2010 NFL Draft (don’t forget, this year the draft expands to three days and starts in primetime on Thursday, April 22). While the top of the draft board hasn’t changed, the Washington Redskins’ trade for former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will have a resounding impact on the rest of the first round.
1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
(Previous HTH Projection: Bradford)
Since our last mock draft, it seems that Sam Bradford is an even bigger lock to become the next quarterback of the Rams. St. Louis was not a factor in the McNabb trade talks, and the team also released longtime starter Marc Bulger. Look for the Rams to try and work out a deal with Bradford before the draft, and don’t be surprised if Bradford follows the recent paths of Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, and Mark Sanchez by being the opening day starter as a rookie.
2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
(Previous HTH Projection: Suh)
The Lions could go with an offensive lineman here to help protect their own franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, but in the end, Suh’s talent is too enticing to pass up. With a deep pool of offensive linemen in this draft, the Lions can wait until the second round to start addressing the offensive line, and take Suh here.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
(Previous HTH Projection: McCoy)
Tampa Bay will be glad to take whichever defensive tackle the Lions pass up on. Suh and McCoy will have their careers compared to one another for the next 5 years, and both could make an immediate impact in 2010.
4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
(Previous HTH Projection: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame)
The shocking trade that landed Donovan McNabb in Washington has an immediate effect on the draft, as the Redskins no longer have a need at quarterback. Instead, the Redskins will now turn to trying to protect their newly acquired star by selecting the best offensive line prospect in the draft in Okung.
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
(Previous HTH Projection: Berry)
Many draft gurus see Kansas City going after an offensive lineman at number five, but Berry has the potential to be the difference maker on defense that the Chiefs are looking for. I see the Chiefs going for the impact player early and focusing on their lines (both offensive and defensive) in the later rounds.
6. Seattle Seahawks – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
(Previous HTH Projection: Okung)
Seattle will be the first team (outside of the Redskins themselves) to be directly affected by the McNabb trade. The Seahawks would have loved for Russell Okung to fall to them here, but the fact that he is off the board does not change their need for offensive line help. Look for them to turn their attention across the state of Oklahoma to grab Williams.
7. Cleveland Browns – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
(Previous HTH Projection: Joe Haden, CB, Florida)
The Redskins weren’t the only team to have their draft needs changed thanks to a trade with the Eagles – the Browns also reduced their need for a number one cornerback by acquiring veteran Sheldon Brown. With the high quality offensive linemen coming off the board fast, the Browns will look to strengthen their own line by selecting Iowa’s Bryan Bulaga.
8. Oakland Raiders – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
(Previous HTH Projection: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa)
Oakland always finds a way to deliver draft day excitement, and their rumored pursuit of McNabb shows that they are ready to move past the JaMarcus Russell era. While the Raiders have other needs that would be better off addressing here, it would surprise nobody to see the team reach out and select Clausen here.
9. Buffalo Bills – CJ Spiller, RB/KR, Clemson
(Previous HTH Projection: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma)
If Clausen doesn’t go to Oakland, he could easily wind up in Buffalo. However, with Clausen projected to go to Oakland and Marshawn Lynch reportedly on his way out of Buffalo, the Bills stay in the backfield and select the dynamic CJ Spiller. Spiller could not only have an immediate role on offense with the Bills, but also become an impact kick returner as well.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
(Previous HTH Projection: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State)
Jacksonville still needs a wide receiver, but the off-field issues surrounding Dez Bryant may force the Jaguars to back away. The Jaguars also need a dominant pass rusher, and Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan may fit that mold. In his junior season, Morgan recorded 12.5 sacks, which is only 1.5 less than the entire Jacksonville roster in 2009.
Be sure to check with Halftime Huddle for all the latest news and analysis leading up to, during, and after the NFL Draft.
Josh Cohick
Halftime Huddle contributing writer
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