GIANTS 101

As most of you know I am an NFL Draft maniac.  As both a college and pro football fanatic, I study prospects year round and bringing the two sports together makes the draft my favorite non-Giants game day of the year.  During the 2008 Draft I was able to nail the Giants first round pick in my mock draft (Kenny Phillips), and in the 2009 Draft I was able to get both the first and first second round pick correct (Hakeem Nicks, Clint Sintim).  If the trend continues, I will hit rounds one, two and three this year, and if that happens I think I should be asked to join the front office.  Great minds think alike.  Do we have a deal, Jerry Reese? It is time for my second mock draft of the year, just round 1.  I will draw up my Giants seven round mock as the draft gets closer.

1) St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB – Oklahoma - This is pretty much a lock now.  There was a point where it looked like the Redskins would try to swap with the Rams and grab Bradford, but after the Donovan McNabb to Washington trade, that deal is dead.  I think the Rams would still consider a trade for the first pick if they were blown away by an offer, but as of now, it looks like they stay at number one and Bradford will be the pick.  I do think Bradford is the best QB in the draft, but he will have issues adjusting to a Pro-Style offense and has serious durability concerns.  If I were the Rams I would go in a different direction, possibly trade a late round pick for Jason Campbell and take Suh here, but that’s just me.

Change from Mock 1.0: None.

2) Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT – Nebraska - Last time around I thought the smart play for the Lions would be selecting offensive tackle Russell Okung here, because they had just traded for Corey Williams and signed Kyle Vanden Bosch to help there defensive line.  The Lions recently traded for former Seattle guard Rob Sims, which is an instant upgrade to their offensive line, and now they can select the best player in this draft.  Suh is a monster, and by adding him to the defensive front and teaming him with their other new additions, suddenly Detroit is a few secondary players and a running back away from being vastly improved.

Change from Mock 1.0: Russell Okung

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT – Oklahoma – The Bucs do not grab the best defensive tackle in the draft, but they grab the one who is the best fit for there scheme.  McCoy’s pass rushing skills and quickness remind me a lot of the Bears Tommie Harris.  He is an unfinished product and needs more upper body strength, but he is a great fit for the Bucs here.

Change from Mock 1.0: Ndamukong Suh

4) Washington Redskins – Russell Okung, OT – Oklahoma St - The Redskins offensive line is terrible, and they need a few offensive linemen that can play right away and protect new quarterback Donovan McNabb.  Okung is the best of the bunch, an athletic tackle with a mean streak who should be able to step right in on the left side and take the place of the recently retired Chris Samuels.  There is some thought that Trent Williams is a better fit for their scheme, but Okung is a superior left tackle prospect and the pick at #4.

Change from Mock 1.0: Bryan Bulaga

5) Kansas City Chiefs – Dan Williams, DT – Tennessee – Scott Pioli still needs the right combination of players to make his 3-4 defense work in K.C.  If Tyson Jackson is his Richard Seymour, then Dan Williams is his Vince Wilfork.  Pioli is not afraid to reach for player who fit an immediate need, and the team could then trade former first round pick Glenn Dorsey to a team who runs the 4-3 (where he is a better fit) and get a mid round pick to fill other needs.

Change from Mock 1.0: Eric Berry

6) Seattle Seahawks – Eric Berry, S – Tennessee – Seattle needs an overhaul to their offensive line, but they make the right pick here by adding the best remaining player in the draft, and can wait to build their offensive line with two first round picks.  Berry is an instant upgrade in Seattle’s secondary and the playmaking centerfielder would be a welcome addition to any team.

Change from Mock 1.0: Gerald McCoy

7) Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden, CB – Florida – The Browns miss out on the player they covet most (Eric Berry) and consider Jimmy Clausen (can’t take another ND QB) and Dez Bryant before going with Joe Haden.  They just traded for Sheldon Brown, but he is 31 years old and on the downside of his career at this point.  Haden is an ultra-talented young cornerback who is great against the run and plays the ball very well.  He is a step in the right direction for the Browns defense.

Change from Mock 1.0: None

8) Oakland Raiders – Trent Williams, OT – Oklahoma - The Raiders finally make a smart decision.  Al Davis is salivating from the depths of his crypt over drafting workout warriors Bruce Campbell and Jason-Pierre Paul, but ultimately decides that he is sick of being a punch line and selects a proven football player.  At worst Williams should be an excellent right tackle and he is the most versatile of the tackles in the draft.  In Oakland, maybe Darren McFadden, JaMarcus Russell and Darrius Heyward-Bey will look better with a few offensive lineman in front of them.  Don’t worry Al, you can still land Bruce Campbell in round two!

Change from Mock 1.0: Jason Pierre-Paul

9) Buffalo Bills – Bryan Bulaga, OT – Iowa - I am on the record for saying the Bills will be the worst team in the NFL in 2010.  They have more needs than anyone else in the league (two offensive tackles, quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, 3-4 defense personnel) and the selection of a quarterback here would be a terrible idea.  I would attempt to rebuild the offensive line and draft some weapons and defenders this year and let Trent Edwards take his lumps under center, then draft Jake Locker or Andrew Luck as the new starting quarterback in 2011, with my top overall pick.  Seriously the Bills should make me the GM, I’ll turn this thing around by 2011.  Drafting Bulaga and rebuilding the offensive line is the smart move here.

Change from Mock 1.0: Jimmy Clausen

10) Jacksonville Jaguars – Dez Bryant, WR – Oklahoma State - The Jaguars seem like they should be better than they are every year, but it is clear they need a true number one receiver, and they land the best in this draft with Bryant.  With this dangerous receiver opposite Mike Sims-Walker, the Jags offense will be greatly improved in 2010.  To tell you the truth, I have no clue what the Jaguars will do.  They drafted bookend tackles last season with Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton but could use a guard (Ituapi?) or a safety (Earl Thomas?)  a a defensive end after drafting busts Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves (Pierre-Paul, Morgan) a corner (Haden if he falls?) a defensive tackle (Dan Williams, Jared Odrick or Brian Price?) a linebacker (we know they like McClain and Weatherspoon) and if Clausen is here they should consider him, because I think David Garrad is a bum.  A lot of people think they will take Tim Tebow in the second or third round, so they will probably pass on a QB.  We’ll see, I am hearing almost nothing about the Jags right now, and had no intention on writing this much about them.  They are the biggest wildcard in the first round.

Change from Mock 1.0: Derrick Morgan

11) Denver Broncos – Rolando McClain, MLB – Alabama - Giants fans are upset when Denver lands a defensive leader and the top inside linebacker in the draft here.  McClain is a tackling machine who will be a great fit in the middle of Denver’s 3-4 front and will be their defensive quarterback for years to come.

Change from Mock 1.0: Dez Bryant

12) Miami Dolphins – Earl Thomas, S – Texas - Bill Parcells misses out on the players he covets most (Dan Williams, Dez Bryant) in this scenario, but settles for the ballhawking safety out of Texas, who is a great fit in Miami’s defensive backfield.  Thomas is a playmaker who will force turnovers behind their tough 3-4 front, but Parcells still walks away from round one disappointed.

Change from Mock 1.0: Dan Williams

13) San Francisco 49ers – Anthony Davis, OT – Rutgers- The 49ers fill their biggest need by selecting a massive tackle who may be the best lineman in the draft if he can stay motivated.  Davis is huge with great feet and long arms, and he will be the starting right tackle week one in San Fran.  He also fills the teams biggest need, and they should be one of the most improved teams in the league in 2010.  After some concerns about his maturity and work ethic, Davis seems to be back on the rise in the weeks before the draft.

Change from Mock 1.0: Trent Williams

14) Seattle Seahawks – Charles Brown, OT – USC - The Seahawks cannot leave round one of this draft without landing an offensive tackle, and Pete Carroll reaches a bit and takes one of his boys in a bit of a surprise move.  Brown is a ridiculous athlete for a tackle and has long arms and great feet.  The talent is all there, but Brown measured in at 6’5 and weighed just 303lbs at the combine, which supposedly he ate like a maniac to inflate his weight to.  Brown needs to pack on a lot of weight and muscle before he can become a star in the NFL, but the athleticism is there.

Change from Mock 1.0: None

15) New York Giants – C.J. Spiller, RB – Clemson - The Giants main target, inside linebacker Rolando McClain is gone, and Jerry Reese realizes that Sean Weatherspoon is better off on the weakside, where he can make plays in space and use his speed.  In a move that is very much not is style, Reese selects electric tailback C.J. Spiller here.  All of the Giants running backs have injury concerns, and Spiller provides depth at tailback and becomes an instant home run threat on kick and punt returns.  Expect him to get a few touches per game early in his career, but he could be the next Chris Johnson down the road.  The Giants have enough talent that they can make a luxury pick here and land the most dangerous offensive player in the draft.  If Spiller and McClain are gone I am really not sure what the Giants do, they may take Weatherspoon, but I question if he can succeed switching to middle linebacker, and he may ride the bench for a few years.  I really like Maurkice Pouncey, who would start at left guard but could switch to center down the road.  I am not as big of a fan as Mike Iupati, as I think he needs some work.  Jared Odrick could be an option, and I wouldn’t kill Reese for taking a corner, with just four on the roster and questions about Aaron Ross’ hamstrings.  A defensive end could be an option, but I would rather Big Blue go in a different direction that could help immediately.

Change from Mock 1.0: Rolando McClain

16) Tennessee Titans – Derrick Morgan, DE – Georgia Tech - The Titans get lucky here, because they can pick the top defensive end in the draft which fills a major position of need.  I am a huge Morgan fan.  He may never be a 15 sack guy, but he should be a solid all around defender who is dangerous against both the run and as a pass rusher.  Jason Pierre-Paul may be a more dangerous pass rusher, but he also could be a bust.  Morgan is the safer pick.

Change from Mock 1.0: Sean Weatherspoon

17) San Francisco 49ers – Jimmy Clausen, QB – Notre Dame - The 49ers filled their biggest need by drafting tackle Anthony Davis early on, and are able to take their quarterback of the future here.  Clausen is better than Alex Smith and is ready to play in a pro style offense right away after leaving Notre Dame.  Clausen can develop with Michael Crabtree to give the 49ers a gifted young nucleus offensively, and they can fill other needs (Safety, rush linebacker, receiver) later in the draft.  I really think San Fran could be the most improved team in the league following the 2010 draft.

Change from Mock 1.0: Earl Thomas

18) Pittsburgh Steelers – Maurkice Pouncey, C/G – Florida - Following the surprising trade of Santonio Holmes to the Jets, the Steelers need to find Big Ben a few wideouts (and hope he is not suspended), but they want to do what the Steelers have done historically and that is run the football.  The interior of their offensive line has been terrible since losing Alan Faneca to the Jets two years ago, and the team is known to love the versatile Pouncey.  A big, athletic interior lineman who can play all three interior positions is a great pickup for the Steel City.

Change from Mock 1.0: Mike Ituapi

19) Atlanta Falcons – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE – USF - Many scouts think JPP could be a top ten pick based on his ridiculous physical upside, but the pass rusher falls into Atlanta’s laps in this scenario.  The Falcons have needed a defensive end opposite John Abraham for years, since Jamaal Anderson turned out to be a bust.  It may take Pierre-Paul a year or two to adjust to the NFL game, but he has great upside and could give them a 12 sack threat for years to come.

Change from Mock 1.0: Kyle Wilson

20) Houston Texans – Kareem Jackson, CB – Alabama - One of the most underrated players in the 2010 draft, the more tape you see of Kareem Jackson, the more you like him.  He does everything right, and does not get enough credit for Alabama’s outstanding defense in 2009, when he removed the opponent’s top wideout from the offensive game plan week after week.  After losing Dunta Robinson to Atlanta in Free Agency, the team is desperate for cornerback help, and Jackson could be a steal here.

Change from Mock 1.0: Maurkice Pouncey

21) Cincinnati Bengals – Jermane Gresham – TE, Oklahoma - Carson Palmer had one weapon in the passing game last season, Chad Ochocinco, following the untimely death of Chris Henry.  Gresham is the best weapon at the tight end spot to enter the draft over the last few seasons, and could be an Antonio Gates-like playmaker right off the bat.  With the signing of Antonio Bryant, the Bengals would suddenly Ochocinco and Bryant wide, Andre Caldwell as the slot, Gresham as one tight end and Chase Coffman as depth and a pretty dangerous offense if Palmer ever becomes confident in his knee again.

Change from Mock 1.0: None

22) New England Patriots – Jared Odrick, DE – Penn State - The Pats do what they have done for years now and select the best player remaining on their board for their scheme.  Odrick would be a monster defensive end in the Pats 3-4, and should be a rock in their defensive front for years to come.  The Pats also have three second round picks and I expect them to interject much youth into their defense as they build a youthful core going forward.

Change from Mock 1.0: Jerry Hughes

23) Green Bay Packers – Mike Iupati, G – Idaho - Aaron Rodgers was amazing for the Packers last season, considering he was running for his life.  Go back and watch the two showdowns with Minnesota, the poor guy was nearly killed every time he dropped back to pass.  Green Bay needs to focus on rebuilding the offensive line this off-season if they ever want to contend, and that could all start with big Mike Iupati.  The massive guard with a mean streak needs some technique work, but one he learns to stay low and finish blocks consistently he will be a bulldozer in the middle of the Pack’s offensive line.

Change from Mock 1.0: Anthony Davis

24) Philadelphia Eagles – Kyle Wilson, CB – Boise State - Following the trade of Sheldon Brown to the Browns, the Eagles need to come out of this draft with a cornerback or two.  Wilson is the best press corner in the draft and has great strength for his size, plus he gives them speed on defense and another dangerous special teams weapon.

Change from Mock 1.0: Everson Griffen

25) Baltimore Ravens – Devin McCourty, CB – Rutgers - The Ravens need youth in their once dominant defense and have major needs at cornerback going into 2010.  The speedy McCourty instantly upgrades the secondary and brings a lot of speed to their defensive backfield, but they still need to find another corner in this draft.

Change from Mock 1.0: Kareem Jackson

26) Arizona Cardinals – Jerry Hughes, OLB – TCU - The Cardinals are a team who will likely be rebuilding after losing Pro Bowlers Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle this off season.  The addition of the fiery Hughes on the outside of their 3-4 defense gives them a much needed edge rusher who should provide intensity and leadership on the field right away.

Change from Mock 1.0: Brandon Graham

27) Dallas Cowboys – Demaryius Thomas, WR – Georgia Tech - The Cowboys are thin at wide receiver, with just Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd and Roy Williams’ ridiculous contract.  Thomas is a huge target (6’3 224lbs) with great speed and hands, but a broken foot is dropping him down draft boards.  Dallas cannot pass on his upside, and although he needs to learn to run every route but the fly, they gamble with the big deep threat here.  Could be the next Charles Rodgers, could be the next Vincent Jackson.

Change from Mock 1.0: Arrelious Benn

28) San Diego Chargers – Terrence Cody, DT – Alabama - The Chargers let their long time nose tackle Jamal Williams walk this off-season due to health concerns and age.  They need to find a player who can replace him in a hurry.  Enter Mount Cody, a mountain at 6’5 350+lbs, who could clog the middle of the field in the Chargers 3-4 for years to come.  Ryan Matthews is an option here, but defensive tackle is a much more pressing need after the loss of Williams, and this may be the Chargers only opportunity to grab a good one, as many will be drafted in round two and they can find tailbacks later.

Change from Mock 1.0: None

29) New York Jets – Everson Griffen, DE – USC – The Jets have been the most aggressive team in the NFL this offseason, trading for cornerback Antonio Cromartie and wide receiver Santonio Holmes, but acquiring neither of these players has cost them their first round pick.  They use this pick on Griffen, a talented and massive (6’3 270lbs) defensive end who fits in their 3-4 front across from Shaun Ellis.  Griffen never played up to his potential at USC, despite having all of the talent in the world, but Rex Ryan will get the best out of him.

Change from Mock 1.0: Jared Odrick

30) Minnesota Vikings – Colt McCoy, QB – Texas - The Vikings main need is cornerback, but in this scenario the top four corners have already been drafted, and it is probably a little to early to reach for Patrick Robinson.  The Vikings are a very talented team, but who knows how long Favre will play? They cannot give the quarterback job to anyone else on the roster when (if) Favre eventually hangs up his cleats, so it is time to draft a developmental quarterback.  McCoy is talented and is currently on the rise, he can sit for a year or so behind Favre and learn the system before taking over the reigns full time.

Change from Mock 1.0: Devin McCourty

31) Indianapolis Colts – Brian Price, DT – UCLA - The Colts need offensive line help badly, especially at tackle, but there is nobody worth taking on the board here.  The Colts have lacked an interior presence on the defensive line for years now, and they draft Price who slides down the draft board following an unimpressive combine and pro day.  There is no doubt Price can play though, and he should be able to get an excellent pass rush with teams focused on stopping the Colts outstanding defensive ends.

Change from Mock 1.0: Bruce Campbell

32) New Orleans Saints – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB – Missouri - The Saints lost Scott Fujita in free agency this offseason and are in desperate need of a weakside linebacker.  In this scenario they luck out and get the best one in the draft in the speedy Weatherspoon, who is an instant upgrade to their defense.  This is a great fit for Weatherspoon, who can use his speed to make plays in space on the Saints turf, and will play great next to Jonathan Vilma as the Saints attempt to defend their title.

Change from Mock 1.0: Sergio Kindle

Toughest Omissions: Players of Note Falling to the Second Round –

• Sergio Kindle – OLB, Texas – A great outside linebacker in both the 3-4 and the 4-3, Kindle will not last long in the second round.  He is great against both the run and as a pass rusher, and could probably even play a little end with his hand on the ground in passing situations.  He has some character concerns, but will be a steal in round two.
• Brandon Graham – DE, Michigan – The more I see of Graham, I see only a 4-3 defensive end and not an outside linebacker in the 3-4 where some scouts projected him originally.  He is going to be a great player on the next level, but his size (6’1 268lbs) may knock him into the early second round.  I hear that some teams love him and have him ahead of Morgan and Pierre-Paul, while others think he will be a rotational 4-3 end, so he could be gone as high as Tennessee at #16 or last until round two.
• Carlos Dunlap – DE, Florida - He has a great blend of physical attributes and production, and would be a top 15 pick if it is not for concerns over his character and work ethic.  If Dunlap proves to be a hard worker and good teammate in the NFL watch out, because physically the guy is a monster.  I would think Steve Spagnuolo would have a hard time passing up on him with the first pick of round 2 if he indeed does fall.
• Bruce Campbell – OT, Maryland - The workout warrior tackle is a freak of nature, but when you watch his tape he is not a first round pick.  If he gets coached up, we could see a 10 time Pro Bowl tackle out of his kid, but he is nowhere near there yet.  He needs to become more aggressive and work on his technique and has to stop taking plays off.  No matter who they select in round one, I have him penciled into the Raiders slot in round two if he lasts this long on draft day.
• Rodger Saffold – OT, Indiana - Do not be surprised if someone grabs Saffold in the first round, which I expect to be heavy with offensive linemen.  Saffold has good size (6’4 316lbs) and great feet, so he is flying up draft boards right now.  Teams sitting late in round one with holes on the offensive line may grab him, because they will not get a crack at him in round 2.
• Ryan Matthews – RB, Fresno State - I was close to making him San Diego’s pick late in the first round, as they need a bigger back to complement Darren Sproles, but decided Nose Tackle was a bigger need.  He is the best physical back in the class, but teams currently feel that they can land running backs in the later rounds, so I do not expect to hear his name called in the first.  He reminds me a lot of Matt Forte of the Bears, and I think he got slightly overrated during the draft process.
• Golden Tate – WR, Notre Dame – The perfect slot receiver, Tate is a good player who will contribute early in his NFL career, but I doubt anyone uses a first rounder on a slot receiver.  I would think the Cheifs in the second round would be a serious option and he could rejoin Charlie Weiss and become Scott Pioli’s new Wes Welker.
• Arrelious Benn – WR, Illinois - He could be gone in the first round, and I think he is very talented, but struggled due to poor quarterback play (Juice Williams was awful) and an ankle injury in 2009.  Could contribute right away as a second round pick, as he knows how to find the end zone after the catch.
• Alex Carrington – DE, Arkansas State - 3-4 defensive ends are harder to come by than you would think, so Carrington is a name you should be familiar with.  The 6’5 285lb DE is a beast who will fit in perfectly in the 3-4 defense.  I doubt he slides into the first round, but his name should be called quickly on Day 2.  In fact I almost pegged him to the Jets here, but went with the bigger name in Griffen.
• Lamarr Houston – DT, Texas - A pretty good player at Texas who was under the radar a bit, Houston turned scouts heads at the combine.  Once thought of as a mid-rounder, one of my favorite prospects could go late round 1, and is a second rounder at worst.  Would look great in a Giants uniform.
• Linval Joseph – DT, ECU - The massive (6’4 328lbs) Joseph is quickly on the rise after a great junior campaign and amazing combine.  He is an amazing athlete for his size and could fit at nose in the 3-4 or as a clogger in the 4-3 front.  Another player I would love to see the Giants select in the second round.
• Cam Thomas – DT, North Carolina - The huge (6’4 330lbs) nose tackle could be the pick of the Chargers at #28 overall if they have concerns about Terrence Cody’s weight and maturity.  Thomas fits the prototype of a 3-4 nose tackle and with so many teams in need of one, he should be off the board by mid-round two latest.
• Tyson Alualu – DE/DT, California - I know for a fact that the Patriots love Alualu and would not be shocked if they passed on taking Odrick in round one in favor of an OLB or CB with their sights set on Alualu with one of their second round picks (they have three).  Alualu is a hard nosed, versatile defensive lineman who does not take plays off and would be a good fit in the 3-4 or 4-3 front.
• Corey Wootton – DE, Northeastern - Another 3-4 defensive end who is on the rise.  The 6’6 272lb Wootton should be off the board in the second round on draft day.
• Patrick Robinson – CB, Florida State - The next best corner in the draft at this point, Robinson has everything it takes to become a great cornerback in the NFL, and I almost sent him to Minnesota late in round one.  I would not be shocked if his name is called late in the first round, and am sure he will be gone by early round two.
• Chris Cook – CB, Virginia - Another hot name right now, Cook is a big corner (6’2 212lbs) who is gaining a lot of steam headed towards the draft.  He could jump a few of the corners I have going in round one by April 22.
• Taylor Mays – S, USC – Most of you know my feelings on Taylor Mays by now.  I compare him to Adam Archuleta, a solid but unspectacular big safety in the NFL.  He is not a playmaker and takes poor angles all over the field and needs some serious work.   
• Nate Allen – S, USF - I could see Allen being the third safety off of the board, and I keep hearing Dallas really likes him and may reach for him in the first round.  Allen is a solid hitter and has good ball skills, and he could develop into a solid starting safety in the big leagues.
• Tim Tebow – QB, Florida - Just typing his name annoys me, so he is a little like Favre already.  I think Roger Goodell grants Jacksonville a second rounder (they currently don’t have one) just so they can draft Tebow and their franchise does not go bankrupt.

This may or may not be my final 2010 mock draft, as the big day(s) is closing in and I will likely focus on the Giants from here on out.  I will have a Giants seven round mock draft coming out soon, and we’ll see if I can guess the first rounder correctly three years in a row and the second rounder two years straight.

NOTE: Once again, my mock draft will be posted on walterfootball.com.  It is a great site for all things NFL, especially the draft.  Link Below:

http://www.walterfootball.com/

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