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 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 first 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 - I think that the best player in this draft is Ndamkong Suh, and I know that Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo would love to have him.  I am sure, as the draft approaches, that the Rams will realize that it is not worth paying a defensive tackle the guaranteed money that comes with the number one overall selection.  Plus they signed the legendary Fred Robbins, so who needs Suh? The Rams need a new face of the franchise and if they think Bradford’s shoulder is going to be okay long term, he has got to be the pick.  With Bradford as the face of the franchise, they will be much closer to contending in the NFC West, although they will still need to get him some options in the passing game and help on defense.

2) Detroit Lions – Russell Okung, OT – Oklahoma State - The Lions have solidified their defensive line this off-season by signing defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and trading for defensive tackle Corey Williams to go along with productive Sammie Lee Hill and developing Clint Avril.   While Suh would have a much bigger impact than either of those players, the team will realize that they need to protect franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford.  If they draft Okung at #2, they can slide Jeff Backus inside to guard, and suddenly their line looks pretty solid across the board.  Okung cemented himself as the top offensive tackle in the draft at the combine and has quick feet, a long wingspan and plays with a nasty streak.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ndamkong Suh, DT - Nebraska – The Bucs should be doing back flips if the draft breaks down this way, because they have just landed the top player in the class of 2010.  Suh is a physical freak.  I have watched college football my entire life, and I have never seen a defensive tackle dominate a game like Suh (just look at the Texas game).  He does come with some questions about his surgically repaired knee, but by drafting Suh, they should have a cornerstone on defense for the next ten years.

4) Washington Redskins – Bryan Bulaga, OT – Iowa - The Redskins offensive line is terrible, and they need a few offensive linemen that can play right away, especially with the retirement of long time left tackle Chris Samuels.  I am not a huge Bulaga fan and do not think he is worthy of the 4th overall pick, nor do I see Jimmy Claussen coming off of the board this early.  I think that Mike Shannahan will see what he has in Jason Campbell this season, but needs to keep him upright.  I also think the Redskins may try to trade up and land either Bradford or Okung, the top players at their positions of need.

5) Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, S – Tennessee - The Chiefs are another team that desperately needs help on the offensive line, but in this scenario, the top two linemen are off of the board.  Not wanting to reach for a Trent Williams, Anthony Davis or Mike Ituapi, Kansas City will come away with, in my opinion, the second best player in the draft.  Berry is going to be a star in the NFL, but I have my doubts that Scott Pioli will select him, as they need help on both lines and another pass rusher.

6) Seattle Seahawks – Gerald McCoy, DT – Oklahoma - Pete Carroll takes over a team with a ton of needs, in fact I think the only position they do not need is linebacker.  Luckily they have two first round picks and get a steal here, McCoy is a great fit in Seattle’s base 3-4 defense, should provide pressure up the middle and allow their outstanding linebackers to make plays.  Carroll desperately needs a quarterback, but there is no way he ties his future to a Notre Dame Alum, right? (UPDATE: I guess they do not need a quaterback either, but Charlie Whitehurst? Really, Pete Carroll? You leave the best coaching gig in the country – So Cal, the weather, the chicks, the easiest recruiting ever, a guaranteed shot at the PAC-10 title every year – for rainy Seattle and Charlie Whitehurst?)

7) Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden, CB – Florida - I understand that a lot of people are way down on Haden right now, due to his sub-par showing at the combine, but I expect him to have a great Pro Day and his stock to bounce back.  When you look at the tape, he is the most talented cornerback I have seen since Darrell Revis went to the Jets in 2007.  He plays the run like Antonie Winfield.  Haden is another step in the right direction for the rebuilding Browns.  UPDATE: Joe Haden had a great Pro Day on 3/17 running in the high 4.3’s-low 4.4’s.  He is a solid Top 10 pick now, and Cleveland would be a great spot for him.

8) Oakland Raiders – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE – USF - I know the Raiders are going to take a workout warrior who has some questions about his productivity.  It is going to happen like it always does.  I cannot give them Bruce Campbell here, they cannot be that dumb, can they? Instead I went to the other side of the ball and gave them physical freak JPP, a pass rusher who had just one productive season at USF after transferring in from a JUCO.  JPP Reminds me a lot of Osi Umenyiora, except is a little bigger and stronger coming out of college.  Paired with Kamerion Wimbley and Richard Seymour, the front seven in Oakland is starting to look better.  Don’t worry Crypt Keeper, Bruce Campbell should be there for you in the second round.

9) Buffalo Bills – Jimmy Claussen, QB – Notre Dame - I am not a huge Claussen fan, and it is not because of his cocky attitude, which I actually like in a quarterback.  I am more worried that he was not a winner at Notre Dame and if Buffalo takes him here, he is starting off with limited weapons and an offensive line in need of two starting tackles.  Claussen has a good enough arm, is pretty accurate and is coming from a Pro-Style offense.  The Bills are in desperate need of a “Face of the Franchse” and need to take Claussen, they just better find a way to protect him.  If the Bills pass on Claussen here for one of the offensive tackles, I could see a free fall of epic proportions for him.

10) Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE – Georgia Tech - The Jags have been unsuccessfully drafting defensive ends early and often over the past few seasons (Derrick Harvey, Quentin Groves) and brought in Aaron Kampman this off-season, but I still see the position as a huge need for them.  Harvey still has some potential, Groves looks to be a bust, Kampman is aging and coming off knee surgery.  Morgan is one of my favorite players in the 2010 Draft and I think he has very low bust potential.  A bigger, stouter defensive end who is a leader, Morgan is spectacular against both the run and pass and reminds me a little of Justin Tuck.  He could play end on rushing downs and tackle on passing downs.  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?) they could use another receiver (Dez Bryant?) or a safety to play next to Reggie Nelson (Earl Thomas?)  a corner (Haden if he falls?) a defensive tackle (Dan Williams or Brian Price?) and if Claussen is here I take 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 bore me and will be in L.A. in three years.

11) Denver Broncos – Dez Bryant, WR – Oklahoma State - I think the Broncos will eventually trade Brandon Mashall, and if that happens, they really have to take Dez Bryant.  Even if they hang on to Marshall, drafting Bryant is a good idea, as they need play makers on offense.  The other real option is Alabama Linebacker Rolando McClain, which I thought was a long shot, until they unexpectedly released starting inside linebacker Andra Davis last week.  Also, even though the Broncos just signed Nose Tackle Jamal Williams from the Chargers, Dan Williams has to be an option here as the nose tackle of the future.  If you ask me Jacksonville and Denver are the two biggest wild cards right now, because you can narrow most of the other teams down to a few players in positions of need.

12) Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams, DT – Tennessee - Ideal situation for Parcells and Sparano.  Their starting nose tackle, the ancient Jason Ferguson, was already contemplating retirement and just got his with an eight game ban after failing a drug test.  With little depth behind Ferguson, the Fins land the massive Williams, who contributes right away.  I expect Williams to be a hot name as we get closer to draft day, with so many teams already playing or switching to the 3-4, and great nose tackles being hard to find.  Trust me when I say, 3-4 nose tackles, ends and rush linebackers are going to be over-drafted this year.  If Williams is off of the board, I do not expect Rolando McClain to be the pick, since the Dolphins just signed Karlos Dansby.  Trent Williams, Mike Ituapi, Earl Thomas or Dez Bryant are more likely.

13) San Francisco 49ers – Trent Williams, OT – Oklahoma - The 49ers fill their biggest need by selecting a massive right tackle who excels at run blocking.  He is tough and battle tested on the right side (though he struggled on the left) and should instantly become the starter for a quickly improving 49ers squad.  Look out for this team in 2010 if they can sure up a few weaknesses, the offensive line being one.

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, and he supposedly ate like a maniac to get there.  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.  (side note: This is where Rutgers OT Anthony Davis realizes he should have worked out and stayed in shape for the combine – he could be the pick here or earlier if he improves at his Pro Day on March 30th…no dessert until the 31st.)

15) New York Giants – Rolando McClain, MLB – Alabama - The Giants get their man, the 6′4 255lb McClain is the heady linebacker that the team lost when they released Antonio Pierce.  McClain is a leader who will stuff the run for years to come in the center of the Giants defense, and plays with a mean streak that will set the tone for the entire team.  McClain does come with some concerns, he was protected in Saban’s 3-4 defense behind Terrence Cody and was never asked to make plays in space, where he would have to showcase his sideline to sideline speed.  His 40 time, in the 4.7’s was average and unspectacular and he recently divulged that he battles Crohn’s disease.  Let the tape speak for itself though, McClain is an  ferocious tackling machine who is always in the right place at the right time, and a leader on and off of the field.  An organization who has based so much of its identity around star linebackers gets the next face of the defense and a player that will start from day one.

16) Tennessee Titans – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB – Missouri - The Titans parted ways with long time outside linebacker Keith Bullock this off-season and Weatherspoon is flying up draft boards right now.  Once thought to be only a weakside linebacker at the next level, Weatherpoon packed on pure muscle and showcased his speed and strength at the combine.  He is a perfect fit for a team that needs more play makers on defense going forward.

17) San Francisco 49ers – Earl Thomas, S – Texas - The 49ers inch closer to being the favorites to win the NFC West by adding Earl Thomas, a speedy centerfielder for their defense.  Thomas is small, but explosive and an impressive hitter for his size.  He makes great breaks on the ball and is an interception machine.  With the addition of Williams and Thomas, the 49ers would pass the Cardinals as the favorites in the NFC West in my book.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Ituapi OG – Idaho - The Steelers need to stop ignoring their offensive line and start building the unit around young talent, so Ituapi is the perfect fit for them.  A massive guard  with a mean streak, Ituapi will fit in perfectly in Pittsburgh, where nasty streaks are encouraged.  I really like Ituapi, but he has some work to do before he is a star on the next level, like playing lower and finishing blocks.

19) Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Wilson, CB – Boise State - Even with the addition of Dunta Robinson in free agency, the Falcons depth chart is thin at cornerback.  The corners vying for the job opposite Robinson are Chevis Jackson and Chris Owens after trading Chris Houston to Detroit last week.  Kyle Wilson is lightning fast and may be skilled enough to start opposite Robinson from Day 1, plus he will become one of the most dangerous return men in the league.  The Falcons need pass rushers as well, so Everson Griffen is an option to play across from John Abraham.

20) Houston Texans – Maurkice Pouncey – OG/C – Florida - The Texans are so close to being a contender and have been for years, but they are struggling to get over that final hurdle.  Their offensive line has been an issue for the past several years, and although it has improved, the interior is still weak.  The big and athletic Pouncey is another player whose stock will soar closer to the draft.  He is versatile and should help the Texans improve their running game and push them towards the playoffs in 2010.  If he falls, Kyle Wilson could also be an option here, the Texans probably need two corners over the course of this draft.

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.

22) New England Patriots – Jerry Hughes, OLB – TCU - This was a toss up between Hughes and Brandon Graham.  I went with Hughes, because he is a fiery emotional leader who was very productive in college and had a ridiculous combine workout.  Plus he is a little crazy, and you want that out of a pass rusher.  Graham was a hot name early who has cooled a bit over recent weeks, with Hughes gaining steam, so I went with Hughes.

23) Green Bay Packers – Anthony Davis, OT – Rutgers - 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 Anthony Davis.  The massive and surprisingly nimble tackle has the skill to be the cornerstone of the Packers line for years to come if his work ethic can improve.  If the Packers want to focus on the 3-4 defensive, ends Jared Odrick or Alex Carrington could be options here.

24) Philadelphia Eagles – Everson Griffen, DE – USC - The Eagles need a pass rusher opposite the dangerous Trent Cole, and Griffen has all of the physical tools to be a great one.  At 6′4 273lbs, he is powerful and fast and can play both the run and the pass.  I am not a fan of Griffen, he looks the part and has all of the measurables, but never seemed to consistently dominate for USC.  I thought he would be one of the top players in the nation in 2009, but he never took that step forward.  In this scenario the Eagles could opt for Carlos Dunlap instead, but due to questions about his work ethic and character, they go for Griffen. (UPDATE: After the Daryl Tapp Trade, I would have changed this pick).

25) Baltimore Ravens – Kareem Jackson, CB – Alabama - Another player who I think will rise before the draft, Jackson is a talented player who did not get enough credit for Alabama’s amazing defense in 2009.  Baltimore is very thin at cornerback and need to find two in the 2010 draft to revitalize a once dominant defensive unit.

26) Arizona Cardinals – Brandon Graham, OLB – Michigan - Arizona has lost a lot of star caliber this off-season.  How do you replace Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle – all Pro Bowlers – in one off-season? You can’t.  The Cardinals have a lot of needs, but Brandon Graham could instantly improve their pass rush, which should mask some of their other holes.  I expect a huge step back from this team in 2010, and the 49ers should become the class of the NFC West.

27) Dallas Cowboys – Arrelious Benn, WR – Illinois - The Cowboys are thin at wide receiver, with just Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd and Roy Williams’ ridiculous contract.  Benn is a player that I really like and who I feel is flying under the radar a bit, due to an ankle injury and poor QB play by Juice Williams in 2009.  He really showed what he can do in 2008, and he has a little Anquan Boldin to his game with his strength and ability to run after the catch.  He had a great combine and could be a steal here.

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.  The Chargers really need a running back, and I thought about both C.J. Spiller and Ryan Matthews here, but defensive tackle is a much more pressing need after the loss of Williams.

29) New York Jets – Jared Odrick, DE – Penn State - The Jets defense is going to be a force in 2010 with a healthy Kris Jenkins and the addition of Antonio Cromartie.  They still need a every down defensive end across from Shaun Ellis, and Odrick, whose name will gain some steam prior to the draft is a perfect fit in the 3-4 front.  Adding the 6′5 304lb Odrick to this unit would make the best defense in the league downright scary next season, although a slot receiver like Golden Tate would also be a nice fit.

30) Minnesota Vikings – Devin McCourty, CB – Rutgers - The speedy McCourty is a good cover corner and a willing tackler and the Vikings really need corners right now, especially after the devastating injury to Cedric Griffin in the playoffs.  McCourty is should contribute right away for the Vikings and his speed should be deadly on their home-field turf.  The Vikings will also need to land another cornerback in this draft, it is one of the few needs on this team.

31) Indianapolis Colts – Bruce Campbell, OT – Maryland - I have seen Campbell on tape, and he is solid but unspectacular.  I have seen Campbell at the combine, and it was one of the most ridiculous workouts I have ever seen.  Campbell is a freak of nature 6′6 314lbs and running an insane 4.85 in the 40 yard dash while benching 225lbs 34 times.  On film though, Campbell looks more like a third rounder.  He needs serious work on his technique and has to finish his blocks.  This is a very un-Colts-like pick.  They look for football players who can help Peyton Manning win now before workout warriors, and I almost put Roger Saffold here instead of Campbell.  Then I was thinking Brian Price.  Ultimately I went with Campbell, maybe Bill Polian goes with a player with upside and lets his coaching staff mold him into a star for once.

32) New Orleans Saints – Sergio Kindle, OLB – Texas - The Saints lost Scott Fujita in free agency and need another linebacker or two during this draft.  Kindle is not the instinctive pure linebacker they need, but he is an impressive pass rusher, who I think is slightly overrated at this point in the draft process.  Getting after the quarterback on a more regular basis would improve the Saints defense, so I went with Kindle here, although he is a better fit for the 3-4 and I considered both Brian Price and Carlos Dunlap.  Both players fall out of the first round in this scenario.

Toughest Omissions: Players Falling to the Second Round -

• C.J. Spiller – RB, Clemson - The explosive Spiller is going to be a gamebreaker in the NFL.  Although he is not going to be an every down back, Spiller is so explosive as a runner and return man, that I am sure someone will take a gamble on him in the mid-first round.  I thought about him starting with San Fran at #13 and considered him with every pick going forward, but most teams without tailbacks have so many other needs, and everyone knows you can find backs in the later rounds.  Spiller will be a first rounder somewhere, I just could not find a fit for him.
• 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.
• Brain Price – DT, UCLA - I am not the biggest fan of Price, a speedy defensive tackle with good strength, he seems to rely on only his quickness to get by offensive linemen.  He does have a knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage, a huge plus, he is also outstanding at staying low.  I think it will take him a few seasons to have the skills to beat NFL interior linemen, but should be a productive player down the road.
• 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.
• 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.  The Jets are still a possibility.
• Demaryius Thomas – WR, Georgia Tech - A monster wide receiver at around 6′5 230lbs, there was a point I thought Thomas would sneak into the tail end of round one.  He needs a lot of work on his route running and is no Calvin Johnson, and I think that anyone drafting him in the first would be reaching and making a mistake.  However, Thomas broke his foot training for the combine, likely keeping in the second round where he belongs.  I hope I never have to type his name again.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Brandon Ghee – CB, Wake Forest - Another corner gaining momentum right now, Ghee had a great combine, running in the 4.4s and performing well in drills.  I doubt he sneaks into the first, but he is a sure-fire second rounder at this point.
• Taylor Mays – S, USC - Made a huge mistake by not entering the draft last year, because scouts had time to scrutinize his game.  I keep getting flack for this, but he is not a playmaker and not the huge hitter everyone seems to think he is, just because he is a giant safety that runs a 4.4.  He is bad in coverage, made very few plays and did not impact a poor defense.  Anyone thinking he should be drafted as a linebacker needs to have their head checked, no NFL GM is throwing away a first or second rounder for Mays and switching his position.  I love Sam Bradford as a player, lets pack 100lbs on him and make him a nose tackle.  Okay, it is nowhere near that extreme.  Do you get the point though?
• Morgan Burnett – S, Georgia Tech - One of the names I heard most on the Giants message boards over the past few months, Burnett has performed will in his workouts, and has a keen sense of the ball in coverage.  Another player who could sneak into round one, if a team like Dallas opts for a safety.

That took way too long, and I am now going to pass out.  The nice thing about mock drafts is, after you complete one (a grueling task) you have that as a template to work from and do not need to start from scratch for the rest of the year.  I know I am going to get killed for Spiller falling out of the first round, so please start ripping me apart.  If there are any inaccuricies in here, it is because I went insane right after the Giants pick.  Now its time for four days of beer and NCAA basketball (UTEP beats Butler, then Vandy, Bank on it).  Enjoy it!