The NFL draft is supposed to be a talent equalizer with the weaker teams getting the picks of the litter and the stronger teams getting the later picks.
In theory, the draft should help create a more competitive landscape. In reality, it doesn’t always work out that way. Various factors give some teams more impact than other teams.
In the 75th NFL draft, which begins Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, these five teams could wind up being power brokers:
Seattle Seahawks
Trent Baalke will run his first draft for the 49ers and will have plenty of picks to make.
Their leverage: They have two of the first 14 picks (Nos. 6 and 14). They could trade one of those for multiple picks and get more players.
Their options: Seattle must replace perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones, whose career is probably over, but it might not have to do it with the sixth pick. The tackle position is one of the strongest in this year’s draft—many scouts say there are four or five tackles worthy of being selected in Round 1—so the Seahawks still could get a good one at No. 14.
Their view: "I’m always open to trading down, I really am," first-year G.M. John Schneider, who will work in conjunction with first-year coach Pete Carroll, told reporters recently. "We took pride in that in Green Bay. We will continue to do that."
San Francisco 49ers
Their leverage: They have two of the first 17 picks (Nos. 13 and 17). Like the Seahawks, they could deal one of those picks and stock up with more players.
Their options: The 49ers already have suitors. There are teams interested in trading up to get one of San Francisco’s two first-round picks. Their acquisition of Miami wide receiver/returner Ted Ginn last Friday for a fifth-round pick indicates director of player personnel Trent Baalke, who will be directing a draft for the first time, isn’t shy about making a deal.
The view: "We’re gonna be aggressive when we need to be aggressive and we’re going to be patient when we need to be patient, if that clears things up for you," Baalke, the team’s defacto G.M. said during a pre-draft meeting with reporters. "We’re not gonna sit back and say, ‘OK, everyone else, go pick your players.’ We’re going to get the players we have targeted. I can promise you that."
St. Louis Rams
Their leverage: They have the No. 1 pick in each of the seven rounds. Only the first round will be held Thursday, so it will be like the start of a new draft when Round 2 kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. ET. By then, the Rams will have had plenty of time to entertain trade proposals.
Their options: Unless they get an offer they can’t refuse, the Rams are expected to select Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the No. 1-overall pick. But that doesn’t mean they won’t consider trading that pick or one of their other six "No. 1" picks.
Their view: "Of course. But that’s for everybody. Anybody that comes up here, we’re open for more picks," Rams G.M. Billy Devaney said. "Nobody’s going to say, ‘Hell no, we don’t want more picks. We’re staying where we are.’ "
New England Patriots
Their leverage: They have more draft picks (12) than any other team, including four of the first 53 overall.
Their options: The Patriots could use a pass rusher, but don’t be surprised if they trade down from the No. 22-overall pick. They traded down twice in the first round last year, which helped allow them to stockpile so many picks this year.
Their view: "We’ve already received calls relative to our (three) second-round picks, so teams are interested in those for one reason or another, and that isn’t surprising to me," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "There are teams that don’t have them, and there are other teams that are looking at the potential quality of players there."
Philadelphia Eagles
Their leverage: They have almost as many picks (11) as the Patriots, including the 37th-overall pick. Why is that significant? Seattle traded the 37th pick in the ’09 draft to Denver, acquiring the Broncos’ first-round pick this year in return.
Their options: As the longtime executive vice president of football operations, coach Andy Reid wields the power in Philly and is responsible for making all final decisions on personnel. He has made at least one trade in all but one of his previous 11 drafts.
Their view: "We think we have a lot of ammunition, and if the opportunity presents itself we’ll go there," new general manager Howie Roseman said about potential trades. "I don’t think we would have (any problem doing that)."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
The NFL draft is supposed to be a talent equalizer with the weaker teams getting the picks of the litter and the stronger teams getting the later picks.
In theory, the draft should help create a more competitive landscape. In reality, it doesn’t always work out that way. Various factors give some teams more impact than other teams.
In the 75th NFL draft, which begins Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, these five teams could wind up being power brokers:
Seattle Seahawks
Trent Baalke will run his first draft for the 49ers and will have plenty of picks to make.
Their leverage: They have two of the first 14 picks (Nos. 6 and 14). They could trade one of those for multiple picks and get more players.
Their options: Seattle must replace perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones, whose career is probably over, but it might not have to do it with the sixth pick. The tackle position is one of the strongest in this year’s draft—many scouts say there are four or five tackles worthy of being selected in Round 1—so the Seahawks still could get a good one at No. 14.
Their view: "I’m always open to trading down, I really am," first-year G.M. John Schneider, who will work in conjunction with first-year coach Pete Carroll, told reporters recently. "We took pride in that in Green Bay. We will continue to do that."
San Francisco 49ers
Their leverage: They have two of the first 17 picks (Nos. 13 and 17). Like the Seahawks, they could deal one of those picks and stock up with more players.
Their options: The 49ers already have suitors. There are teams interested in trading up to get one of San Francisco’s two first-round picks. Their acquisition of Miami wide receiver/returner Ted Ginn last Friday for a fifth-round pick indicates director of player personnel Trent Baalke, who will be directing a draft for the first time, isn’t shy about making a deal.
The view: "We’re gonna be aggressive when we need to be aggressive and we’re going to be patient when we need to be patient, if that clears things up for you," Baalke, the team’s defacto G.M. said during a pre-draft meeting with reporters. "We’re not gonna sit back and say, ‘OK, everyone else, go pick your players.’ We’re going to get the players we have targeted. I can promise you that."
St. Louis Rams
Their leverage: They have the No. 1 pick in each of the seven rounds. Only the first round will be held Thursday, so it will be like the start of a new draft when Round 2 kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. ET. By then, the Rams will have had plenty of time to entertain trade proposals.
Their options: Unless they get an offer they can’t refuse, the Rams are expected to select Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the No. 1-overall pick. But that doesn’t mean they won’t consider trading that pick or one of their other six "No. 1" picks.
Their view: "Of course. But that’s for everybody. Anybody that comes up here, we’re open for more picks," Rams G.M. Billy Devaney said. "Nobody’s going to say, ‘Hell no, we don’t want more picks. We’re staying where we are.’ "
New England Patriots
Their leverage: They have more draft picks (12) than any other team, including four of the first 53 overall.
Their options: The Patriots could use a pass rusher, but don’t be surprised if they trade down from the No. 22-overall pick. They traded down twice in the first round last year, which helped allow them to stockpile so many picks this year.
Their view: "We’ve already received calls relative to our (three) second-round picks, so teams are interested in those for one reason or another, and that isn’t surprising to me," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "There are teams that don’t have them, and there are other teams that are looking at the potential quality of players there."
Philadelphia Eagles
Their leverage: They have almost as many picks (11) as the Patriots, including the 37th-overall pick. Why is that significant? Seattle traded the 37th pick in the ’09 draft to Denver, acquiring the Broncos’ first-round pick this year in return.
Their options: As the longtime executive vice president of football operations, coach Andy Reid wields the power in Philly and is responsible for making all final decisions on personnel. He has made at least one trade in all but one of his previous 11 drafts.
Their view: "We think we have a lot of ammunition, and if the opportunity presents itself we’ll go there," new general manager Howie Roseman said about potential trades. "I don’t think we would have (any problem doing that)."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
There were a couple of important performances this weekend that didn’t involve Ubaldo Jimenez and his no-hitter, or the Mets and Cardinals and their 20-inning marathon.
Two contenders went on the road and took key series. The Marlins won two of three from the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, and the Rays went into Boston and swept the Red Sox in a four-game set at Fenway Park.
The Yankees move up in this week’s Power Poll, thanks in part to Nick Swisher’s hot bat.
Early, but nonetheless impressive showings from the two Florida teams. Anyway, on to the poll.
1. Yankees (last week 5). The Yankees just keep mowing down the top teams in the A.L. And that’s with three starters — Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher and Nick Johnson — all hitting .200 or worse entering the week. Those slumps will end soon enough.
2. Rays (11). Matt Garza won his third consecutive start on Sunday, shutting out the Red Sox at Fenway. His ERA for the season is 0.75, his WHIP 0.88 and he’s pitched eight innings in all three starts.
3. Phillies (1). The powerful Phillies lineup managed just one run over the final two games of the home series against the Marlins.
4. Twins (4). The 3-4-5 hitters in the Minnesota lineup are doing quite well, thank you. Joe Mauer is hitting .378, Justin Morneau is batting .319 and Michael Cuddyer is at .340.
5. Athletics (6). Here are the ERAs for Oakland starting pitchers entering the week — 2.41, 2.65, 2.65, 2.70 and 3.38. That’s the biggest reason the A’s have a two-and-a-half game lead in the A.L West.
6. Giants (2). Across the bay, the ERAs for the Giants’s starters aren’t too shabby either — ace Tim Lincecum is at 0.90, Barry Zito is a 1.86 and Jonathan Sanchez is at 2.19.
7. Cardinals (7). The Cardinals have played four series entering the week, and they’ve won two of three in each one.
8. Marlins (8). After Ricky Nolasco earned a complete-game victory Saturday against the Phillies — he allowed one run and five hits — Nate Robertson shut out the Phillies for 6 1/3 innings, and the bullpen took care of the rest.
9. Braves (13). The brake pads on the Jason Heyward hype machine are wearing thin. In fact, after his game-winning based-loaded hit with two outs in the ninth inning Saturday against the Rockies — he has 15 RBIs and a .302 average for the 7-5 Braves — those pads might be completely gone.
10. Tigers (9). The Tigers enter the week with six regulars posting an on-base percentage of .385 or higher, including rookie starters Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore.
11. Blue Jays (3). Bad week for the Jays, who dropped five of seven games to fall into third place in the A.L. East.
12. Pirates (19). The Pirates finished off a three-game sweep of the Reds on Sunday, and despite being negative-22 in run differential, they’re 7-5 and one game back in the N.L. Central.
13. Rockies (14). That Ubaldo Jimenez guy is pretty good.
14. Indians (28). Things are looking up in Cleveland this week. Not only have the Indians won four in a row, but uber-prospect Carlos Santana is crushing Class AAA pitching — he has a .414 average and four home runs in eight games.
15. Dodgers (18). Manny delivered a signature Mannywood moment on Sunday. His pinch-hit two-run homer in the eighth inning lifted the Dodgers past the rival Giants and lifted his season average to .375.
16. Nationals (20). Overall, this has been a solid start to the season for the Nats. Jason Marquis, though, has been horrible. Through three starts, he’s 0-3 with a 20.52 ERA (which means the Nats are 6-3 in games Marquis does not start).
17. Padres (29). What are the odds the Padres, Pirates and Indians would all sweep a series in the same weekend? San Diego took three from the Diamondbacks.
18. Mariners (22). After a horrible start to the season, the Mariners took two of three this week at home against the A’s and the Tigers.
The Angels are liking Joel Piniero on the mound so far.
19. Angels (23). Free agent acquisition Joel Piniero turned in a stellar start in Yankee Stadium this week, limiting the home team to just one run in seven innings.
20. Royals (27). The Royals enter the week with a team batting average above .300. The Royals enter the week with a team batting average above .300. The Royals enter the week with a team batting average above .300. Yep.
21. Rangers (15). The Rangers were swept in New York, and a three-game series in Fenway Park starting Tuesday is never an easy assignment.
22. Brewers (16). They were shut out on Saturday in Washington, then scored 10 runs in the first inning on Sunday against the Nationals.
23. Cubs (21). Geovany Soto hit .133 in his first five games, then .546 in his next four.
24. Diamondbacks (12). The D-backs have lost four of five, and they enter the week in the same spot they ended last season — in last place in the N.L. West.
25. Reds (17). Different players lead the Reds in runs (Drew Stubbs, 8), homers (Scott Rolen, 3), batting average (Joey Votto, .283) and RBIs (Johnny Gomes/Orlando Cabrera, 8).
26. Red Sox (10). Boston went 1-5 last week. The Red Sox will try to reverse that slide with home games against the Rangers and Orioles this week.
27. Mets (25). Crazy series in St. Louis this weekend, but the bottom line is the Mets lost two of three to stay in last place in the N.L. East.
28. White Sox (26). Gavin Floyd (three starts, 9.00 ERA), Freddie Garcia (two starts, 8.10 ERA) and Jake Peavy (three starts, 6.00 ERA) have struggled, and the Sox are last in the A.L. Central.
29. Orioles (24). Rookie starter Brian Matusz is 2-0 for the Orioles, who enter the week with a 2-11 record.
30. Astros (30). The Astros have hit just three home runs as a team entering the week. Fifty players have at least three home runs this season.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
There were a couple of important performances this weekend that didn’t involve Ubaldo Jimenez and his no-hitter, or the Mets and Cardinals and their 20-inning marathon.
Two contenders went on the road and took key series. The Marlins won two of three from the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, and the Rays went into Boston and swept the Red Sox in a four-game set at Fenway Park.
The Yankees move up in this week’s Power Poll, thanks in part to Nick Swisher’s hot bat.
Early, but nonetheless impressive showings from the two Florida teams. Anyway, on to the poll.
1. Yankees (last week 5). The Yankees just keep mowing down the top teams in the A.L. And that’s with three starters — Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher and Nick Johnson — all hitting .200 or worse entering the week. Those slumps will end soon enough.
2. Rays (11). Matt Garza won his third consecutive start on Sunday, shutting out the Red Sox at Fenway. His ERA for the season is 0.75, his WHIP 0.88 and he’s pitched eight innings in all three starts.
3. Phillies (1). The powerful Phillies lineup managed just one run over the final two games of the home series against the Marlins.
4. Twins (4). The 3-4-5 hitters in the Minnesota lineup are doing quite well, thank you. Joe Mauer is hitting .378, Justin Morneau is batting .319 and Michael Cuddyer is at .340.
5. Athletics (6). Here are the ERAs for Oakland starting pitchers entering the week — 2.41, 2.65, 2.65, 2.70 and 3.38. That’s the biggest reason the A’s have a two-and-a-half game lead in the A.L West.
6. Giants (2). Across the bay, the ERAs for the Giants’s starters aren’t too shabby either — ace Tim Lincecum is at 0.90, Barry Zito is a 1.86 and Jonathan Sanchez is at 2.19.
7. Cardinals (7). The Cardinals have played four series entering the week, and they’ve won two of three in each one.
8. Marlins (8). After Ricky Nolasco earned a complete-game victory Saturday against the Phillies — he allowed one run and five hits — Nate Robertson shut out the Phillies for 6 1/3 innings, and the bullpen took care of the rest.
9. Braves (13). The brake pads on the Jason Heyward hype machine are wearing thin. In fact, after his game-winning based-loaded hit with two outs in the ninth inning Saturday against the Rockies — he has 15 RBIs and a .302 average for the 7-5 Braves — those pads might be completely gone.
10. Tigers (9). The Tigers enter the week with six regulars posting an on-base percentage of .385 or higher, including rookie starters Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore.
11. Blue Jays (3). Bad week for the Jays, who dropped five of seven games to fall into third place in the A.L. East.
12. Pirates (19). The Pirates finished off a three-game sweep of the Reds on Sunday, and despite being negative-22 in run differential, they’re 7-5 and one game back in the N.L. Central.
13. Rockies (14). That Ubaldo Jimenez guy is pretty good.
14. Indians (28). Things are looking up in Cleveland this week. Not only have the Indians won four in a row, but uber-prospect Carlos Santana is crushing Class AAA pitching — he has a .414 average and four home runs in eight games.
15. Dodgers (18). Manny delivered a signature Mannywood moment on Sunday. His pinch-hit two-run homer in the eighth inning lifted the Dodgers past the rival Giants and lifted his season average to .375.
16. Nationals (20). Overall, this has been a solid start to the season for the Nats. Jason Marquis, though, has been horrible. Through three starts, he’s 0-3 with a 20.52 ERA (which means the Nats are 6-3 in games Marquis does not start).
17. Padres (29). What are the odds the Padres, Pirates and Indians would all sweep a series in the same weekend? San Diego took three from the Diamondbacks.
18. Mariners (22). After a horrible start to the season, the Mariners took two of three this week at home against the A’s and the Tigers.
The Angels are liking Joel Piniero on the mound so far.
19. Angels (23). Free agent acquisition Joel Piniero turned in a stellar start in Yankee Stadium this week, limiting the home team to just one run in seven innings.
20. Royals (27). The Royals enter the week with a team batting average above .300. The Royals enter the week with a team batting average above .300. The Royals enter the week with a team batting average above .300. Yep.
21. Rangers (15). The Rangers were swept in New York, and a three-game series in Fenway Park starting Tuesday is never an easy assignment.
22. Brewers (16). They were shut out on Saturday in Washington, then scored 10 runs in the first inning on Sunday against the Nationals.
23. Cubs (21). Geovany Soto hit .133 in his first five games, then .546 in his next four.
24. Diamondbacks (12). The D-backs have lost four of five, and they enter the week in the same spot they ended last season — in last place in the N.L. West.
25. Reds (17). Different players lead the Reds in runs (Drew Stubbs, 8), homers (Scott Rolen, 3), batting average (Joey Votto, .283) and RBIs (Johnny Gomes/Orlando Cabrera, 8).
26. Red Sox (10). Boston went 1-5 last week. The Red Sox will try to reverse that slide with home games against the Rangers and Orioles this week.
27. Mets (25). Crazy series in St. Louis this weekend, but the bottom line is the Mets lost two of three to stay in last place in the N.L. East.
28. White Sox (26). Gavin Floyd (three starts, 9.00 ERA), Freddie Garcia (two starts, 8.10 ERA) and Jake Peavy (three starts, 6.00 ERA) have struggled, and the Sox are last in the A.L. Central.
29. Orioles (24). Rookie starter Brian Matusz is 2-0 for the Orioles, who enter the week with a 2-11 record.
30. Astros (30). The Astros have hit just three home runs as a team entering the week. Fifty players have at least three home runs this season.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
Sporting News‘ team of 32 beat writers play GM for the day, making all the picks for the teams they cover in our annual mock draft:
Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh is considered to be the top defensive tackle in this year’s draft.
1. Rams — Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. After passing on Mark Sanchez and Matt Ryan in the past two drafts, the Rams finally take a quarterback. In Bradford, the Rams see a franchise quarterback they can build a team around. They like his accuracy, arm strength, athleticism and intelligence.
2. Lions — Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Lions will consider an offensive tackle, but Suh appears to be a can’t-miss prospect and the league’s worst-ranked defense over the last three years certainly could use an upgrade in the line. Suh will start on Day 1 and provide strength against the run and a big inside push against the pass.
3. Buccaneers — Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. The decision to go back to the cover-2 scheme means the Bucs need a dominating, Warren Sapp-type presence in the middle. McCoy is the best 3-technique tackle in the draft, a superb penetrator who should immediately upgrade the team’s pass rush and run-stopping ability.
4. Redskins — Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. With Chris Samuels retiring and no quality tackle on the roster, the Redskins take an offensive lineman in the first round for the first time since 2000. Okung’s athleticism is a good fit in Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking system, and he’ll provide the blind-side protection the team desperately needs for new QB Donovan McNabb.
5. Chiefs — Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa. After allowing 45 sacks last season, the Chiefs need another building block for their offensive line. Bulaga might never become a star, but he should be a solid player who can help stabilize their line.
6. Seahawks — Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. After years of failing to acquire a successor to LT Walter Jones, Seattle urgently needs one. The Seahawks started four different players at that position last year, two of whom weren’t on the 53-man roster when the season began. Williams’ athleticism makes him a great fit for Alex Gibbs’ zone-blocking scheme.
7. Browns — Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. There are concerns about Berry’s thirst for hitting ballcarriers, but the Browns think he will develop into an all-around playmaker. They love the fact he has the skills to also become an elite cornerback should they come up with a solution at safety. The Browns will press to trade down, but Berry is a logical pick if they can’t fetch the right price.
8. Raiders — Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers. The Raiders are second-guessing themselves for passing up an offensive tackle in last year’s draft. They won’t make the same mistake again in a draft loaded with top-flight tackle prospects. Davis’ size and potential make him a perfect candidate to help revamp a line that has been neglected for too long.
The Browns need help at safety; will they draft Eric Berry?
9. Bills — Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech. With the top four offensive tackles off the board, it’s the worst-case scenario for the Bills. QB Jimmy Clausen is a consideration here, but the Bills decide to take the best player available. With Aaron Schobel’s possible retirement, the Bills bolster their pass rush with Morgan.
10. Jaguars — Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama. Unhappy with the play of Justin Durant—last year’s starter at middle linebacker—the Jaguars moved him outside, leaving a void in the middle. McClain’s leadership abilities, physical play and instincts make him a starter from Day 1. The club initially had some trepidation about McClain’s speed, but he alleviated those concerns at his pro day.
11. Broncos — Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. Denver had a need for a game-breaking receiver even before dealing Brandon Marshall. This pick fills that vacancy with the draft’s top wideout. It’s possible the Broncos attempt to trade down and take Florida center Maurkice Pouncey. But with two second-round picks as ammunition, the Broncos could just as easily attempt to move up and potentially grab both players, filling two major holes.
12. Dolphins — Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee. Bill Parcells generally likes to select nose tackles later in the draft, but the increased number of 3-4 defenses has made that task far tougher. It’s a major need, though.
13. 49ers — Joe Haden, CB, Florida. The 49ers love physical and feisty cornerbacks, and Haden fits that mold perfectly. The team must decide what to do with its top corner, Nate Clements, who was benched in a critical game last season and whose contract becomes unwieldy in coming years. Having Haden on the roster would make that decision easier.
14. Seahawks — C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson. Spiller isn’t a workhorse type, but that’s not a problem because Pete Carroll liked to use multiple backs at USC and keep them hungry. Spiller is a dynamic runner and return threat who would give Seattle’s offense an explosive threat it lacks. Carroll has specifically cited the need to add more firepower.
15. Giants — Mike Iupati, G, Idaho. The offensive line showed some wear and tear last season and left guard Rich Seubert is nearing the end of the line. Iupati, an athletic guard with excellent size, long arms and an attacking mentality, won’t have to step in and start right away if he isn’t completely ready.
16. Titans — Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. The Titans are intrigued by South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul but need a player capable of playing immediately. Graham is a high-character, productive player and as close to being NFL-ready as any of the defensive ends.
17. 49ers — Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame. The 49ers are counting on Alex Smith to deliver their first playoff appearance since 2002. But Clausen would give the team a future option if Smith, who is entering the final year of his contract, doesn’t come through. The 49ers also could trade down and take an offensive tackle, their biggest need.
18. Steelers — Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State. With McClain, Haden and Iupati all gone, it comes down to Wilson or Pouncey. There is a great need to find a corner who can play right away, and the team thinks there are enough good offensive linemen available to get one in the second or third round.
19. Falcons — Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri. With his speed, quickness and striking ability, Weatherspoon is a perfect fit at outside linebacker. Coming from the Big 12, he’s adept in coverage and is used to covering backs out of the backfield—a big problem for the Falcons the past two seasons.
20. Texans — Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State. Mathews, who has 4.47 speed with good vision and instincts, is ideally suited for Houston’s one-cut zone-blocking scheme. The Texans must improve a running game that ranked 30th last season and believe Mathews can make an immediate impact.
21. Bengals — Earl Thomas, S, Texas. This is the perfect marriage of talent and need. With veteran safeties Roy Williams and Chris Crocker in the final stage of their careers, Thomas gives the Bengals an aggressive ballhawk with corner skills. He’ll settle in as a nickel back this season before taking over as the leader of the deep secondary.
If he goes to Baltimore, Jermaine Gresham will likely be used as a pass-catching tight end.
22. Patriots — Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State. The ’09 Patriots never fully recovered from the trade of Pro Bowl end Richard Seymour to the Raiders. With a Seymour clone available, Bill Belichick can’t pass on the opportunity to add Odrick as an anchor for his 3-4 defense. Odrick has the long arms to keep tackles off him, the strength to fight double-teams and the burst to rush the passer.
23. Packers — Taylor Mays, S, USC. Ideally, G.M. Ted Thompson would like to add an offensive tackle here, but there are better players on the board than tackles such as Charles Brown (USC) and Rodger Saffold (Indiana). If he doesn’t trade down, Thompson will take Mays and pair him with Nick Collins to create perhaps the NFL’s fastest safety duo.
24. Eagles — Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida. Questions surround center Jamaal Jackson, who turns 30 next month and whose status for the season opener is uncertain while he recovers from major knee surgery. Pouncey can play center or guard, giving the Eagles a potential immediate starter at three positions.
25. Ravens — Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. The Ravens must find an eventual replacement for tight end Todd Heap, who is 30 and has lost a step. The Ravens think Gresham can add to the vertical game, and they want a young receiver to groom along with young quarterback Joe Flacco.
26. Cardinals — Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas. The Cardinals are looking to shore up a defense that collapsed late last season. Kindle has pass-rush skills, and he has the size to possibly move inside and replace the departed Karlos Dansby. However, club officials will be surprised if Kindle drops to them.
27. Cowboys — Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame. With all of the first-round offensive tackles and safeties gone, the Cowboys go for a playmaker. Tate can operate out of the slot, pick up yards after the catch and provide help as a kick and punt returner. He also played in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame.
28. Chargers — Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama. Everyone thinks the team will go for a running back here, and it might if Mathews is available. But there will be a good back available when the Chargers pick in the second round (40th overall), and they have a great need for a big man in the middle of their D-line.
29. Jets — Brian Price, DT/DE, UCLA. The Jets need to get younger in the defensive line, where Kris Jenkins, Shaun Ellis and Sione Pouha are all 30 or older. Price has a terrific motor and the versatility to play end in the team’s 3-4, then slide inside on passing downs when the Jets often shift to a 4-3.
30. Vikings — Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers. The Vikings are dangerously thin at corner. Antoine Winfield turns 33 in June and missed six games last year because of a broken foot. The other starting corner, Cedric Griffin, tore an ACL in the NFC championship game. McCourty has the athleticism, competitiveness and ball skills to become a solid starter.
31. Colts — Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida. Pierre-Paul is considered a work in progress, but that’s fine. He can develop his game behind two of the best pass rushers in the league—Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The defense lacks a viable No. 3 pass-rush threat.
32. Saints — Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU. The Saints’ top priority is to add a dynamic playmaker to their front seven. Hughes might be undersized for a 4-3 end but can make an instant impact as a situational pass rusher, and coordinator Gregg Williams is creative enough to find a role for him at end or outside linebacker.
Sporting News’ AFC correspondents: Kevin Ace, Mike Chappell, Steve Corkran, Jeff Darlington, Steve Doerschuk, Gerry Dulac, Chick Ludwig, John McClain, J.P. Pelzman, Mike Preston, Ian R. Rapoport, Lee Rasizer, Adam Teicher, Allen Wilson, Michael C. Wright and Jim Wyatt.
Sporting News’ NFC correspondents: Matt Barrows, Gene Chamberlain, Mark Craig, Roy Cummings, Darin Gantt, John Keim, Tom Kowalski, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Geoff Mosher, Danny O’Neil, Paul Schwartz, Tom Silverstein, Kent Somers, Jean-Jacques Taylor, Jim Thomas and Mike Triplett.
Sporting News‘ team of 32 beat writers play GM for the day, making all the picks for the teams they cover in our annual mock draft:
Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh is considered to be the top defensive tackle in this year’s draft.
1. Rams — Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. After passing on Mark Sanchez and Matt Ryan in the past two drafts, the Rams finally take a quarterback. In Bradford, the Rams see a franchise quarterback they can build a team around. They like his accuracy, arm strength, athleticism and intelligence.
2. Lions — Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Lions will consider an offensive tackle, but Suh appears to be a can’t-miss prospect and the league’s worst-ranked defense over the last three years certainly could use an upgrade in the line. Suh will start on Day 1 and provide strength against the run and a big inside push against the pass.
3. Buccaneers — Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. The decision to go back to the cover-2 scheme means the Bucs need a dominating, Warren Sapp-type presence in the middle. McCoy is the best 3-technique tackle in the draft, a superb penetrator who should immediately upgrade the team’s pass rush and run-stopping ability.
4. Redskins — Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. With Chris Samuels retiring and no quality tackle on the roster, the Redskins take an offensive lineman in the first round for the first time since 2000. Okung’s athleticism is a good fit in Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking system, and he’ll provide the blind-side protection the team desperately needs for new QB Donovan McNabb.
5. Chiefs — Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa. After allowing 45 sacks last season, the Chiefs need another building block for their offensive line. Bulaga might never become a star, but he should be a solid player who can help stabilize their line.
6. Seahawks — Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. After years of failing to acquire a successor to LT Walter Jones, Seattle urgently needs one. The Seahawks started four different players at that position last year, two of whom weren’t on the 53-man roster when the season began. Williams’ athleticism makes him a great fit for Alex Gibbs’ zone-blocking scheme.
7. Browns — Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. There are concerns about Berry’s thirst for hitting ballcarriers, but the Browns think he will develop into an all-around playmaker. They love the fact he has the skills to also become an elite cornerback should they come up with a solution at safety. The Browns will press to trade down, but Berry is a logical pick if they can’t fetch the right price.
8. Raiders — Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers. The Raiders are second-guessing themselves for passing up an offensive tackle in last year’s draft. They won’t make the same mistake again in a draft loaded with top-flight tackle prospects. Davis’ size and potential make him a perfect candidate to help revamp a line that has been neglected for too long.
The Browns need help at safety; will they draft Eric Berry?
9. Bills — Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech. With the top four offensive tackles off the board, it’s the worst-case scenario for the Bills. QB Jimmy Clausen is a consideration here, but the Bills decide to take the best player available. With Aaron Schobel’s possible retirement, the Bills bolster their pass rush with Morgan.
10. Jaguars — Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama. Unhappy with the play of Justin Durant—last year’s starter at middle linebacker—the Jaguars moved him outside, leaving a void in the middle. McClain’s leadership abilities, physical play and instincts make him a starter from Day 1. The club initially had some trepidation about McClain’s speed, but he alleviated those concerns at his pro day.
11. Broncos — Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. Denver had a need for a game-breaking receiver even before dealing Brandon Marshall. This pick fills that vacancy with the draft’s top wideout. It’s possible the Broncos attempt to trade down and take Florida center Maurkice Pouncey. But with two second-round picks as ammunition, the Broncos could just as easily attempt to move up and potentially grab both players, filling two major holes.
12. Dolphins — Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee. Bill Parcells generally likes to select nose tackles later in the draft, but the increased number of 3-4 defenses has made that task far tougher. It’s a major need, though.
13. 49ers — Joe Haden, CB, Florida. The 49ers love physical and feisty cornerbacks, and Haden fits that mold perfectly. The team must decide what to do with its top corner, Nate Clements, who was benched in a critical game last season and whose contract becomes unwieldy in coming years. Having Haden on the roster would make that decision easier.
14. Seahawks — C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson. Spiller isn’t a workhorse type, but that’s not a problem because Pete Carroll liked to use multiple backs at USC and keep them hungry. Spiller is a dynamic runner and return threat who would give Seattle’s offense an explosive threat it lacks. Carroll has specifically cited the need to add more firepower.
15. Giants — Mike Iupati, G, Idaho. The offensive line showed some wear and tear last season and left guard Rich Seubert is nearing the end of the line. Iupati, an athletic guard with excellent size, long arms and an attacking mentality, won’t have to step in and start right away if he isn’t completely ready.
16. Titans — Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. The Titans are intrigued by South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul but need a player capable of playing immediately. Graham is a high-character, productive player and as close to being NFL-ready as any of the defensive ends.
17. 49ers — Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame. The 49ers are counting on Alex Smith to deliver their first playoff appearance since 2002. But Clausen would give the team a future option if Smith, who is entering the final year of his contract, doesn’t come through. The 49ers also could trade down and take an offensive tackle, their biggest need.
18. Steelers — Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State. With McClain, Haden and Iupati all gone, it comes down to Wilson or Pouncey. There is a great need to find a corner who can play right away, and the team thinks there are enough good offensive linemen available to get one in the second or third round.
19. Falcons — Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri. With his speed, quickness and striking ability, Weatherspoon is a perfect fit at outside linebacker. Coming from the Big 12, he’s adept in coverage and is used to covering backs out of the backfield—a big problem for the Falcons the past two seasons.
20. Texans — Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State. Mathews, who has 4.47 speed with good vision and instincts, is ideally suited for Houston’s one-cut zone-blocking scheme. The Texans must improve a running game that ranked 30th last season and believe Mathews can make an immediate impact.
21. Bengals — Earl Thomas, S, Texas. This is the perfect marriage of talent and need. With veteran safeties Roy Williams and Chris Crocker in the final stage of their careers, Thomas gives the Bengals an aggressive ballhawk with corner skills. He’ll settle in as a nickel back this season before taking over as the leader of the deep secondary.
If he goes to Baltimore, Jermaine Gresham will likely be used as a pass-catching tight end.
22. Patriots — Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State. The ’09 Patriots never fully recovered from the trade of Pro Bowl end Richard Seymour to the Raiders. With a Seymour clone available, Bill Belichick can’t pass on the opportunity to add Odrick as an anchor for his 3-4 defense. Odrick has the long arms to keep tackles off him, the strength to fight double-teams and the burst to rush the passer.
23. Packers — Taylor Mays, S, USC. Ideally, G.M. Ted Thompson would like to add an offensive tackle here, but there are better players on the board than tackles such as Charles Brown (USC) and Rodger Saffold (Indiana). If he doesn’t trade down, Thompson will take Mays and pair him with Nick Collins to create perhaps the NFL’s fastest safety duo.
24. Eagles — Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida. Questions surround center Jamaal Jackson, who turns 30 next month and whose status for the season opener is uncertain while he recovers from major knee surgery. Pouncey can play center or guard, giving the Eagles a potential immediate starter at three positions.
25. Ravens — Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. The Ravens must find an eventual replacement for tight end Todd Heap, who is 30 and has lost a step. The Ravens think Gresham can add to the vertical game, and they want a young receiver to groom along with young quarterback Joe Flacco.
26. Cardinals — Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas. The Cardinals are looking to shore up a defense that collapsed late last season. Kindle has pass-rush skills, and he has the size to possibly move inside and replace the departed Karlos Dansby. However, club officials will be surprised if Kindle drops to them.
27. Cowboys — Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame. With all of the first-round offensive tackles and safeties gone, the Cowboys go for a playmaker. Tate can operate out of the slot, pick up yards after the catch and provide help as a kick and punt returner. He also played in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame.
28. Chargers — Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama. Everyone thinks the team will go for a running back here, and it might if Mathews is available. But there will be a good back available when the Chargers pick in the second round (40th overall), and they have a great need for a big man in the middle of their D-line.
29. Jets — Brian Price, DT/DE, UCLA. The Jets need to get younger in the defensive line, where Kris Jenkins, Shaun Ellis and Sione Pouha are all 30 or older. Price has a terrific motor and the versatility to play end in the team’s 3-4, then slide inside on passing downs when the Jets often shift to a 4-3.
30. Vikings — Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers. The Vikings are dangerously thin at corner. Antoine Winfield turns 33 in June and missed six games last year because of a broken foot. The other starting corner, Cedric Griffin, tore an ACL in the NFC championship game. McCourty has the athleticism, competitiveness and ball skills to become a solid starter.
31. Colts — Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida. Pierre-Paul is considered a work in progress, but that’s fine. He can develop his game behind two of the best pass rushers in the league—Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The defense lacks a viable No. 3 pass-rush threat.
32. Saints — Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU. The Saints’ top priority is to add a dynamic playmaker to their front seven. Hughes might be undersized for a 4-3 end but can make an instant impact as a situational pass rusher, and coordinator Gregg Williams is creative enough to find a role for him at end or outside linebacker.
Sporting News’ AFC correspondents: Kevin Ace, Mike Chappell, Steve Corkran, Jeff Darlington, Steve Doerschuk, Gerry Dulac, Chick Ludwig, John McClain, J.P. Pelzman, Mike Preston, Ian R. Rapoport, Lee Rasizer, Adam Teicher, Allen Wilson, Michael C. Wright and Jim Wyatt.
Sporting News’ NFC correspondents: Matt Barrows, Gene Chamberlain, Mark Craig, Roy Cummings, Darin Gantt, John Keim, Tom Kowalski, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Geoff Mosher, Danny O’Neil, Paul Schwartz, Tom Silverstein, Kent Somers, Jean-Jacques Taylor, Jim Thomas and Mike Triplett.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Russell Okung.
Russell Okung compares favorably to one of the best young tackles in the pros.
NFL position: OT
Height: 6-5 1/4
Weight: 307
40 time: 5.22
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Ryan Clady, Broncos
Run blocking: Must improve in this area. Gets out of stance quickly, enabling him to lock and seal defensive linemen when maintaining good balance. Is not a fire-off-the-snap sort of run blocker; is more of a "catch blocker" who can be driven backward—it’s especially noticeable in short-yardage situations. Does not slide or use hands well to neutralize defenders who crash inside. Is an impressive open-field blocker with the athleticism to maintain balance and adjust to moving targets. Grade: 5.5
Pass blocking: Is an elite pass blocker. Easily slides outside to cutoff explosive edge rushers. Once locked up on pass rushers, eliminates them. Bends knees well and sinks hips to pass block with good leverage. Shows the quickness and agility so easily re-direct and adjust to double-moves. Has long arms and when using hand punch aggressively can stop pass rusher in his tracks, but is inconsistent. Grade: 8.5
Initial quickness: Anticipates the snap well to get out of stance quickly. Shows the initial quickness, speed and athleticism to pull and lead perimeter runs. Grade: 8.0
Strength: Shows good natural strength, but doesn’t always use it effectively. No doubt has the natural strength to physically dominate his man when using good technique, blocking aggressively and working to the whistle. Grade: 7.0
Mobility: Shows the elite athleticism and mobility NFL coaches drool over. Can lead on perimeter runs or get through the line of scrimmage to block linebackers on the second level. In pass protection, can handle speed rushers and negate quick double-moves. Grade: 9.0
Bottom line: Okung is an elite athlete with the height, long arms and pass-blocking skill rare for a left tackle. He is far from a polished prospect—especially needs technique work as a run blocker—but is a sure-fire top-10 pick. He reminds us of Broncos All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady.
For more than 665 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Russell Okung.
Russell Okung compares favorably to one of the best young tackles in the pros.
NFL position: OT
Height: 6-5 1/4
Weight: 307
40 time: 5.22
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Ryan Clady, Broncos
Run blocking: Must improve in this area. Gets out of stance quickly, enabling him to lock and seal defensive linemen when maintaining good balance. Is not a fire-off-the-snap sort of run blocker; is more of a "catch blocker" who can be driven backward—it’s especially noticeable in short-yardage situations. Does not slide or use hands well to neutralize defenders who crash inside. Is an impressive open-field blocker with the athleticism to maintain balance and adjust to moving targets. Grade: 5.5
Pass blocking: Is an elite pass blocker. Easily slides outside to cutoff explosive edge rushers. Once locked up on pass rushers, eliminates them. Bends knees well and sinks hips to pass block with good leverage. Shows the quickness and agility so easily re-direct and adjust to double-moves. Has long arms and when using hand punch aggressively can stop pass rusher in his tracks, but is inconsistent. Grade: 8.5
Initial quickness: Anticipates the snap well to get out of stance quickly. Shows the initial quickness, speed and athleticism to pull and lead perimeter runs. Grade: 8.0
Strength: Shows good natural strength, but doesn’t always use it effectively. No doubt has the natural strength to physically dominate his man when using good technique, blocking aggressively and working to the whistle. Grade: 7.0
Mobility: Shows the elite athleticism and mobility NFL coaches drool over. Can lead on perimeter runs or get through the line of scrimmage to block linebackers on the second level. In pass protection, can handle speed rushers and negate quick double-moves. Grade: 9.0
Bottom line: Okung is an elite athlete with the height, long arms and pass-blocking skill rare for a left tackle. He is far from a polished prospect—especially needs technique work as a run blocker—but is a sure-fire top-10 pick. He reminds us of Broncos All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady.
For more than 665 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Mike Iupati:
Mike Iupati’s size and strength are highly attractive to NFL teams.
NFL position: G
Height: 6-5 1/8
Weight: 331
40 time: 5.32
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Kris Dielman, Chargers
Run blocking: Is physically dominant because of uncommon size, strength and athleticism. On in-line run blocks, flashes good aggressiveness firing off the snap to deliver violent blows to defensive tackles and then use strength to drive his man out of the play. Is equally effective leading on perimeter runs. When keeping knees bent and maintaining contact with the linebacker, can easily ride him out of the play. Shows good quickness and athleticism to make short pulls and lead block.
Pass blocking: Has the talent to be an elite pass blocker when using good technique and aggressiveness. When focused on technique, bends knees and pass blocks with good leverage. When using aggressive hand punch, can jolt defensive linemen upright. Occasionally gets lazy with hands and allows pass rusher to get into his chest and drive him backward. Shows the quickness to slide and adjust to line stunts and blitzes. Has a bad habit of staying flat-footed and reaching for defenders and thus falling off blocks.
Initial quickness: Gets out of stance and into position quickly. Gets off the snap and through the line of scrimmage with surprising quickness, getting ideal position to block the linebacker. Gets set quickly in pass protection.
Strength: Shows natural strength to dominate when aggressive and using good technique. On in-line run blocks, can torque defensive linemen of their feet and onto the ground. He shows excellent strength on side blocks, often collapsing the entire side of the line to create a massive hole. Consistently holds his ground vs. bull rushers when keeping knees bent.
Mobility: Shows good, but not elite, mobility. Can pull and effectively block defenders in his track. Is not as effective when having to block moving targets.
Bottom line: Big, strong guards with good athleticism who block with intensity and passion are tough to find. Iupati must learn to be consistent with his technique but projects as a good NFL starter. Many say he can switch to tackle, but we feel he is best suited to stay at guard. He could be a solid NFL tackle but has the tools to be a Pro Bowl guard.
For more than 665 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Mike Iupati:
Mike Iupati’s size and strength are highly attractive to NFL teams.
NFL position: G
Height: 6-5 1/8
Weight: 331
40 time: 5.32
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Kris Dielman, Chargers
Run blocking: Is physically dominant because of uncommon size, strength and athleticism. On in-line run blocks, flashes good aggressiveness firing off the snap to deliver violent blows to defensive tackles and then use strength to drive his man out of the play. Is equally effective leading on perimeter runs. When keeping knees bent and maintaining contact with the linebacker, can easily ride him out of the play. Shows good quickness and athleticism to make short pulls and lead block.
Pass blocking: Has the talent to be an elite pass blocker when using good technique and aggressiveness. When focused on technique, bends knees and pass blocks with good leverage. When using aggressive hand punch, can jolt defensive linemen upright. Occasionally gets lazy with hands and allows pass rusher to get into his chest and drive him backward. Shows the quickness to slide and adjust to line stunts and blitzes. Has a bad habit of staying flat-footed and reaching for defenders and thus falling off blocks.
Initial quickness: Gets out of stance and into position quickly. Gets off the snap and through the line of scrimmage with surprising quickness, getting ideal position to block the linebacker. Gets set quickly in pass protection.
Strength: Shows natural strength to dominate when aggressive and using good technique. On in-line run blocks, can torque defensive linemen of their feet and onto the ground. He shows excellent strength on side blocks, often collapsing the entire side of the line to create a massive hole. Consistently holds his ground vs. bull rushers when keeping knees bent.
Mobility: Shows good, but not elite, mobility. Can pull and effectively block defenders in his track. Is not as effective when having to block moving targets.
Bottom line: Big, strong guards with good athleticism who block with intensity and passion are tough to find. Iupati must learn to be consistent with his technique but projects as a good NFL starter. Many say he can switch to tackle, but we feel he is best suited to stay at guard. He could be a solid NFL tackle but has the tools to be a Pro Bowl guard.
For more than 665 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
