| 1 (1) |
Rams |
Bradford, Sam |
QB |
6'4" |
236 |
Oklahoma |
8.7 |
1 |
Pick Analysis: The Rams tab Sam Bradford to be their new franchise quarterback. Though Bradford missed most of the 2009 season nursing a shoulder injury, his strong pre-draft workouts, intangibles and game tape made him the right choice in St. Louis. While the Rams don't have many weapons around him, Bradford gives the team an accurate thrower with the skills to develop into an elite quarterback as the team builds around him.
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| 2 (2) |
Lions |
Suh, Ndamukong |
DT |
6'4" |
307 |
Nebraska |
8.7 |
2 |
Pick Analysis: The Lions pick Ndamukong Suh to become the pillar of their defense at the tackle spot. Suh gives coach Jim Schwartz a disruptive interior player in the mold of Albert Haynesworth to build around. Given the fact that the Lions ranked 32nd in total defense last season, Suh's dominant presence should restore some of the roar in Detroit.
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| 3 (3) |
Buccaneers |
McCoy, Gerald |
DT |
6'4" |
295 |
Oklahoma |
8.8 |
3 |
Pick Analysis: The Bucs finally find a Warren Sapp-like player to man their "three-technique" position. McCoy is a disruptive force with the quickest first step of any defensive tackle in recent history. His ability to create instant penetration with his explosive "get off" makes him the ideal fit in the Tampa-2 scheme.
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| 4 (4) |
Redskins |
Williams, Trent |
OT |
6'5" |
315 |
Oklahoma |
8.6 |
8 |
Pick Analysis: The Redskins opt to take the ultra-athletic Trent Williams over Russell Okung. Williams, who logged starts at both tackle spots and center during his collegiate career, gives the team a nimble athlete to play left tackle in their zone-based blocking scheme. Although there were some concerns about his work ethic, his ability to cutoff blockers on the backside on running plays made him a better fit for Washington.
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| 5 (5) |
Chiefs |
Berry, Eric |
SS |
6'0" |
211 |
Tennessee |
8.6 |
5 |
Pick Analysis: The Chiefs ignore their needs along the offensive line to add a dynamic playmaker in the secondary. As a safety with rare corner-like skills, Berry is capable of roaming the deep middle or covering slot receivers in man-to-man. With his underrated blitz skills, Berry figures to be an important part of Romeo Crennel's aggressive defense.
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| 6 (6) |
Seahawks |
Okung, Russell |
OT |
6'5" |
307 |
Oklahoma State |
8.7 |
4 |
Pick Analysis: Russell Okung becomes Walter Jones' heir apparent on the left side of the offensive line. As a sound technician with outstanding feet and hands, he gives Matt Hasselbeck an exceptional blocker on the blind side. Although the Seahawks still have several voids to fill, they may have solved their biggest issue with the selection of Okung as their new left tackle.
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| 7 (7) |
Browns |
Haden, Joe |
CB |
5'11" |
193 |
Florida |
8.6 |
11 |
Pick Analysis: Haden gives the team a legitimate "shutdown" corner. He's an instinctive playmaker with exceptional cover skills. Though he didn't blaze a sizzling 40-time at the National Scouting Combine, he has enough speed and quickness to stay with receivers on the edge. He also has a knack for making plays on the ball down the field. With the Browns' secondary in desperate need of a talent infusion, selecting Haden was the right call.
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| 8 (8) |
Raiders |
McClain, Rolando |
LB |
6'3" |
254 |
Alabama |
8.4 |
12 |
Pick Analysis: The selection of Rolando McClain came as a surprise to some, but it's a sensible pick based on the Raiders' struggles against the run. McClain is a stout "Mike" linebacker with exceptional instincts. He gives Oakland a more physical presence inside. With the Raiders not satisfied with Kirk Morrison's play, the decision to add McClain was a reflection of a desire to improve the middle of the defense.
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| 9 (9) |
Bills |
Spiller, C.J. |
RB |
5'11" |
196 |
Clemson |
8.7 |
9 |
Pick Analysis: The Bills ignored obvious needs along the offensive line to add the most electrifying runner in the draft. Spiller gives coach Chan Gailey a multi-purpose weapon to feature in his spread offense to alleviate some of the pressure on the Bills' suspect quarterbacks. While addressing the offensive line remains a priority, it's hard to argue against the addition of a talented playmaker with the ability to score from anywhere on the field.
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| 10 (10) |
Jaguars |
Alualu, Tyson |
DE |
6'3" |
295 |
California |
8.2 |
-- |
Pick Analysis: The Jaguars take the hard-working Alualu to the surprise of many observers in attendance. Although the former Cal star was expected to come off the board in the first round, no one anticipated him going before the likes of Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul and Sergio Kindle. With the recent trade of Quentin Groves opening up a spot at defensive end, Alualu gives the Jaguars a high-motor rusher to pair with Aaron Kampman on pass downs.
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| 11 (11) |
49ers (From Bears through Broncos) |
Davis, Anthony |
OT |
6'5" |
323 |
Rutgers |
8.3 |
15 |
Pick Analysis: The 49ers aggressively moved up to grab Anthony Davis. The former Rutgers star gives the team an athletic blocker. With Joe Staley capable of playing on either side, Davis could slide over to left tackle and allow Staley to shore up the void on the right side. Regardless of the eventual configuration, the 49ers have solidified their leaky offensive line with the selection of Davis.
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| 12 (12) |
Chargers (From Dolphins) |
Mathews, Ryan |
RB |
6'0" |
218 |
Fresno State |
8.2 |
28 |
Pick Analysis: San Diego forks up a few picks to nab a new franchise running back in Ryan Mathews. As a big, physical runner with explosive speed and quickness, Mathews gives the Chargers an every down back to team with Darren Sproles. After languishing near the bottom of the league in rushing the past two seasons, the Chargers' running game is poised to make a resurgence with Mathews serving as the feature back.
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| 13 (13) |
Eagles (From 49ers through Broncos) |
Graham, Brandon |
DE |
6'1" |
268 |
Michigan |
8.5 |
20 |
Pick Analysis: The Eagles appeared to solve some of their pass rush issues with a series of trades in the offseason, but the team targeted Graham due to his disruptive skills as an edge player. He possesses exceptional first-step quickness, and his relentless motor often leads to negative plays for the defense. With the Eagles seeking to bring pressure from all angles, Graham gives Sean McDermott another weapon in his arsenal.
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| 14 (14) |
Seahawks (From Broncos) |
Thomas, Earl |
SS |
5'10" |
208 |
Texas |
8.7 |
13 |
Pick Analysis: The Seahawks add a talented playmaker to the back end of their defense with the selection of Earl Thomas. As an instinctive safety with exceptional range and awareness, Thomas will eliminate some of the big plays that plagued the defense a season ago. Additionally, his exceptional cover skills will allow the Seahawks to creatively use him in their nickel packages as a sub-defender in the slot. Given his multi-faceted skills, Thomas was a sensible pick for a Seahawks team in desperate need of playmakers on both sides of the ball.
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| 15 (15) |
Giants |
Pierre-Paul, Jason |
DE |
6'5" |
270 |
South Florida |
8.6 |
14 |
Pick Analysis: The Giants add another talented pass rusher to their deep defensive line rotation with their selection of Jason Pierre-Paul. Although the South Florida standout is a little raw in some aspects of his game, he possesses outstanding first-step quickness and has an exceptional burst of the edge. Given the Giants' ability to develop young pass rushers, the addition of Pierre-Paul ensures that their stable will remain full for a long time to come.
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| 16 (16) |
Titans |
Morgan, Derrick |
DE |
6'3" |
266 |
Georgia Tech |
8.5 |
16 |
Pick Analysis: The Titans fill their biggest need with the addition of Derrick Morgan. As a high-motor pass rusher with a quick first step, Morgan gives the Titans a legitimate threat off the edge. Additionally, he is a stout player against the run, and shows the potential to be an effective every down defensive end. Given the losses of Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch, Morgan should play a big role for the Titans as a rookie.
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| 17 (17) |
49ers (From Panthers) |
Iupati, Mike |
OG |
6'5" |
331 |
Idaho |
8.4 |
17 |
Pick Analysis: The 49ers continue to fortify their offensive line with the selection of Mike Iupati. The rugged interior blocker possesses the size and strength to blow defenders off the ball, and his style is an ideal fit in the 49ers' smash mouth running game. A leaky offensive line kept the team from maximizing its potential a season ago, but the additions of Anthony Davis and Iupati have turned a position of weakness into one of strength heading into 2010.
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| 18 (18) |
Steelers |
Pouncey, Maurkice |
C |
6'4" |
304 |
Florida |
8.4 |
26 |
Pick Analysis: The Steelers had no choice but to address their offensive line after watching Ben Roethlisberger repeatedly take a beating last season. Maurkice Pouncey gives the Steelers a versatile interior blocker adept at playing the physical style that the team prefers. With his ability to play center or guard, Pouncey should immediately contribute as a rookie starter.
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| 19 (19) |
Falcons |
Weatherspoon, Sean |
LB |
6'1" |
239 |
Missouri |
8.3 |
24 |
Pick Analysis: The Falcons address their biggest need with the addition of Sean Weatherspoon to their defense. The loquacious playmaker has exceptional speed, and has the potential to be an impact player as a weak side linebacker. Given the importance of the Will in Tampa-2 schemes, Weatherspoon is poised to play a pivotal role as a rookie.
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| 20 (20) |
Texans |
Jackson, Kareem |
CB |
5'10" |
196 |
Alabama |
8.3 |
-- |
Pick Analysis: The Texans surprisingly take Kareem Jackson over Kyle Wilson as their franchise cornerback. The former Alabama standout has been flying up the charts in recent weeks, and his versatile skill set is a nice fit in the Texans' scheme. While the argument will be made that Wilson is more talented than Jackson, it is hard to argue against taking a solid player well groomed in a pro-style defensive system.
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| 21 (21) |
Bengals |
Gresham, Jermaine |
TE |
6'5" |
261 |
Oklahoma |
8.3 |
25 |
Pick Analysis: The Bengals fill their biggest void in the passing game with the selection of Jermaine Gresham. He gives the team a legitimate threat in the middle of the field, and his exceptional receiving skills should be a nice complement to Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant. Given Carson Palmer's struggles a season ago, the Bengals' revamped aerial attack should help him regain his Pro Bowl form.
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| 22 (22) |
Broncos (From Patriots) |
Thomas, Demaryius |
WR |
6'3" |
224 |
Georgia Tech |
8.4 |
-- |
Pick Analysis: The Broncos opt for Demaryius Thomas over Dez Bryant as their future No.1 receiver. Though Bryant entered the draft as the more accomplished player, Thomas' big-play potential and solid character profile apparently led to Josh McDaniels' decision to favor the former Yellow Jacket. In making the decision to choose potential over production, McDaniels continues to place himself in the cross hairs with his controversial decisions.
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| 23 (23) |
Packers |
Bulaga, Bryan |
OT |
6'5" |
314 |
Iowa |
8.5 |
6 |
Pick Analysis: The Packers add a quality offensive tackle prospect with the selection of Bryan Bulaga. Although the team has a pair of veterans in Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher in place to start in 2010, Bulaga gives the team much-needed depth and an eventual successor to develop for the future.
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| 24 (24) |
Cowboys (From Eagles through Broncos and Patriots) |
Bryant, Dez |
WR |
6'2" |
225 |
Oklahoma State |
8.5 |
10 |
Pick Analysis: The Cowboys halt Dez Bryant's free fall by nabbing him with the 24th selection. Though Bryant has been roundly labeled as a potential character risk, his exceptional talent is undeniable and he gives the Cowboys an all-star caliber pass catcher. With Roy Williams under performing, Bryant could become a key contributor early in his rookie season.
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| 25 (25) |
Broncos (From Ravens) |
Tebow, Tim |
QB |
6'3" |
236 |
Florida |
8.0 |
-- |
Pick Analysis: Josh McDaniels continues to place himself in the midst of controversy with his draft day decisions. By selecting Tim Tebow, the Broncos opted to bypass on Jimmy Clausen in favor of a quarterback more adept at running a spread offense. While critics will talk about Tebow's quirky mechanics and throwing motion, his character profile is in line with McDaniels' desire to create a strong locker room rooted in team-first principles. In addition, the presence of Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn ensures that Tebow will have the opportunity to fully develop as a passer before he takes the field in a season or two.
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| 26 (26) |
Cardinals |
Williams, Dan |
DT |
6'2" |
327 |
Tennessee |
8.5 |
18 |
Pick Analysis: The Cardinals add a key piece to their defense by nabbing Dan Williams. The hulking interior defender has the size and strength to thrive as a nose tackle, and his ability to occupy multiple blockers should free the team's linebackers to roam freely inside. Although linebacker remains a pressing need, the decision to fortify the front line should result in better play from the linebacker corps in 2010.
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| 27 (27) |
Patriots (From Cowboys) |
McCourty, Devin |
CB |
5'11" |
193 |
Rutgers |
8.0 |
-- |
Pick Analysis: After wheeling and dealing down the draft board, the Patriots pick up the versatile Devin McCourty. The former Rutgers standout gives the team a dynamic cover man and special teams player. Although he won't be counted on to step right in as a starter, McCourty should excel as a sub-defender/special teamer in his rookie season. The Patriots are routinely chastised for their willingness to trade away picks, but it's hard to dispute their ability to find gems at the right value.
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| 28 (28) |
Dolphins (From Chargers) |
Odrick, Jared |
DT |
6'5" |
304 |
Penn State |
8.2 |
27 |
Pick Analysis: The Dolphins needed to add more beef to their front line, and the selection of Jared Odrick gives them size at the defensive end position. As the "five-technique" in the Dolphins' 3-4, Odrick has the length to occupy blockers on the edge, and his relentless style often leads to disruptive plays at the line of scrimmage. With Mike Nolan slated to tweak the team's defense, Odrick could be a key cog as an interior defender.
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| 29 (29) |
Jets |
Wilson, Kyle |
CB |
5'10" |
194 |
Boise State |
8.4 |
22 |
Pick Analysis: The Jets' loaded defense gets some more star power with addition of Kyle Wilson. The Boise State standout was viewed as the top corner on some boards, and his skills make him an exceptional nickel corner. Additionally, he possesses the requisite grit and toughness that is demanded by the Jets' coaching staff. For a team that is loaded on defense, the landing of Wilson is a case of the rich getting richer.
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| 30 (30) |
Lions (From Vikings) |
Best, Jahvid |
RB |
5'10" |
199 |
California |
7.9 |
-- |
Pick Analysis: The Lions pick up the ultra-explosive Jahvid Best to alleviate some of the pressure on Matthew Stafford. Best is the most instinctive runner in the draft, and his skills may flourish as the feature back in Detroit. Although his back-to-back concussions last season justifiably raise concerns, the Lions may have landed the player with the most potential to become the next CJ2K.
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| 31 (31) |
Colts |
Hughes, Jerry |
DE |
6'2" |
255 |
TCU |
8.2 |
-- |
Pick Analysis: The Colts' fortify their pass rush with the addition of Jerry Hughes. Although Indianapolis retains Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, it still needed another rusher to alleviate some of the pressure on the duo. In Hughes, the Colts get a hard-working edge rusher with outstanding quickness and burst. The Colts have the luxury of slowly integrating Hughes into the lineup, and can groom him into a starter after a year or two.
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| 32 (32) |
Saints |
Robinson, Patrick |
CB |
5'11" |
190 |
Florida State |
8.0 |
-- |
| Pick Analysis: The Saints prove that a defense can never have enough corners with the selection of Patrick Robinson. Although New Orleans took Malcolm Jenkins with its first-round pick a season ago, the addition of Robinson gives the team the flexibility to move Jenkins to free safety or create a series of exotic nickel packages to get its athletic corners on the field. Regardless, the Saints have clearly improved their depth and talent in the back end, and that ensures they will remain among the best at creating takeaways in 2010. |