2010 NFL Mock Draft Update

This mock is two rounds and is posted in the images.
In the images you’ll see the team, player, position, school and team needs.  I base the team needs on my rankings from the end of the season.

If the position under team needs is in GRAY it means that position was addressed in the DRAFT.  If it is in BLUE, that means it was addressed in FREE AGENCY.  If it is in PURPLE, that means it was addressed in free agency but still drafted, being taken care of in BOTH.

Click on the images for a larger view.

NFL Prospect Post-Combine Rankings: Offense

The NFL Combine does not make or break a prospect’s career.  However, it can show scouts and media members just how seriously a player takes the offseason and how prepared he is for the NFL Draft and his rookie career.

Not many prospects in my rankings have changed after the NFL Combine.  However, one key player has dropped from third in his position and a second round pick and is now off of my rankings.

Jonathan Dwyer was the third running back on my rankings at the end of the season.  He had been slowly dropping down the list and today dropped him off completely.  He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, had only 15 reps on the bench press, and had the shortest broad jump of all participating running backs at eight feet, eleven inches.  This most likely means he is not taking his offseason workouts seriously and staying in shape.

The rest of the ranking go as follows, top five by position:

Quarterback

1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
3. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
4. Colt McCoy, Texas
5. Tim Tebow, Florida

Running Back

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson
2. Jahvid Best, California
3. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
4. Ben Tate, Auburn
5. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State

Wide Receiver

1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
2. Arrelious Benn, Illinois
3. Brandon LaFell, LSU
4. Damien Williams, USC
5. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati

Tight End

1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
2. Rob Gronkowski, Arizona
3. Aaron Hernandez, Florida
4. Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh
5. Anthony McCoy, USC

Offensive Tackle

1. Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
2. Anthony Davis, Rutgers
3. Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
4. Trent Williams, Oklahoma
5. Bruce Campbell, Maryland

Interior Offensive Line

1. Mike Iupati, Idaho
2. Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
3. Vladamir Ducasse, Massachusetts
4. Mike Johnson, Alabama
5. Mitch Petrus, Arkansas

Most of the rankings are the as before the NFL Combine.  Jonathan Dwyer’s drop for the list of top running backs is the most obvious change.  Other changes include Dan LeFevour’s jump to third at quarterback, Dorin Dickerson’s rise up the board at tight end, and Ben Tate’s leap from unranked to fourth at running back.

Ben Tate was a winner at the combine.  He was originally projected as a fourth or fifth round pick.  But after his performance today in which he showed his speed by running a 4.43 second 40-yard dash, his strength by posting a running back-leading 26 reps on the bench press and his burst with a 40.5 inch vertical jump and a 10’4” broad jump.

These rankings are still likely to change after each player has his Pro Day.

Stay tuned for the defensive rankings after the NFL Combine concludes.

NFL 2010 Offseason Interesting Player Storylines Part One

Many key players in the NFL could be on the move this offseason.  Pro Bowlers such as Julius Peppers, Donovan McNabb and Antrel Rolle are just a few of the big names that could see new teammates in 2010.

I want to take a look at some of these players and give some insight to where they could be next year.

Note that these are not all of the important free agents out there.  These ten players are simply some of the players that I feel will be interesting to watch in the offseason.

1. Julius Peppers, defensive end – Peppers was tagged as the Panthers’ franchise player in 2009 earning him over $17 million that season.  Reports have been released that Carolina is not looking to apply the franchise tag to Peppers in 2010.  However, if they change their mind it would cost the Panthers over $22 million.  Peppers has made it known that he wants to play for a contender, preferably in a 3-4 defensive scheme as a rush linebacker.  The Arizona Cardinals fit that bill perfectly.  They have won the NFC West crown the past two years and run the 3-4 defense.  On top of that, quarterback Kurt Warner and defensive end Bertrand Berry have both retired.  These moves, coupled with the expected release of free safety Antrel Rolle will free up the finances required to sign a player like Julius Peppers.  There is a need for a rush linebacker like Peppers on Arizona’s defense and the pieces seem to be falling into place.  Expect the Cardinals to make a run for this highly-touted defensive star.  Other teams to watch are the New England Patriots, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins.
2. Donovan McNabb, quarterback – McNabb is still under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles and has announced that he will stay an Eagle next season.  However, there have been rumors of the Eagles looking to trade McNabb while he has value.  After all, McNabb is in the tail end of his career and the Eagles may want to hit the market while he still has value.  The team mentioned most in regards to receiving the quarterback is the Minnesota Vikings.  This of course hinges on Brett Favre’s decision to return or retire.  If Favre does decide to retire, I expect the Vikings to make a hard run at McNabb.  If Favre returns, clearly McNabb will not be considered and would then likely stay in Philadelphia.  However, the Eagles could entertain other deals.  Keep in mind, they have a full competent backup and future quarterback in Kevin Kolb and they would still have Michael Vick on the roster.  Expect McNabb to be in Eagle green or Viking purple, but do not count out teams like the St. Louis Rams or even the Oakland Raiders.
3. LaDainian Tomlinson, running back – The San Diego Chargers released Tomlinson Monday afternoon, likely because they feel is it not worth the value, including a $2 million bonus for next season that he would cost them.  While he was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, he is nearing the end and is now worth no more than a backup running back role.  I expect him to either end up playing for a team that is a legitimate contender, such as the New Orleans Saints or the New England Patriots, or a team that has a young, established running back and needs veteran leadership, like the Detroit Lions or Chicago Bears.  Or if he is lucky, he could get one last chance as a lead back on a young team.  The teams I look for trying to obtain his services are the Cleveland Browns or the Kansas City Chiefs.  Both teams are young on offense and have a young running back with a bright future (James Davis and Jamaal Charles respectively).  This of course leaves a big hole for the Chargers, which I expect to be filled in the first round of the NFL draft by C.J. Spiller or Jahvid Best.
4. Brian Westbrook, running back – The Eagles released their all-time leader in yards after scrimmage early Tuesday afternoon.  Westbrook is in a very similar situation to Tomlinson.  He is plagued with injuries and nearing the end of his career as a team’s number-one running back.  Like Tomlinson, he will be looking for a team that can use him in a leadership and backup running back role.  Many of the same teams apply for Westbrook as well.  Look for the Chiefs, Browns and Bears to try for his services.  But do not be surprised if the Texans or Lions also place bids.  Westbrook provides a strong leadership presence for young offenses and would be a great mentor for young backs like Kevin Smith, Steve Slaton and Matt Forte.
5. Antrel Rolle, safety – While the Cardinals have not officially released Rolle as of yet, it is expected because of the $4 million bonus he is due next year.  Not having to pay this money next season will free up the finances for an elite player like Julius Peppers, which would be more of a need for the Cardinals in 2010.  This story is a bit more of a surprise because of Rolle’s history in the Pro Bowl, his ability to make plays in both pass and run defenses, and his relative youth (he is 27 years old).  Rolle still has quite a few good years ahead of him.  He is one of the elite free safeties in the league and will make a splash in the free agency if he is released.  Many teams in the league could use his talents, but look for the Panthers, Texans and Seahawks to make big bids.  The Panthers had a weakness deep in the middle of the field, and signing Rolle would allow them to move Sherrod Martin back to cornerback, his natural position.  The Panthers would have depth and versatility, not to mention the money needed to pay him after Peppers leaves, freeing up over $17 million in salary.

Check back for part two, as we look at five more players that should have interesting offseasons.