Another Mock Draft

Since the trend of mock drafting for the 2010 NFL Draft has started in 2009 in Detroit, I thought I would post my predictions for next year's draft.

Trade Scenario: Trade Ernie Sims, 2nd round and 5th Round Pick to Gaints for 1st round pick and third round pick.

1st Round, 3rd Pick: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: By now, it is pretty clear that Ndamukong Suh won’t be there at the third pick in the draft, so the next best option in the board for the Lions is Okung. A lot of people would consider a defensive tackle like Gerald McCoy, but I believe that his size and speed make him more suitable as a 3-4 defensive end, rather than a defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme.

1st Round 23rd Pick (From Gaints): Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama: One of the things the Lions have vastly improved on this season in their run defense, and a lot of the credit should go to the linebackers who have played great this season. The next step in the process is getting the run-stopping defensive tackles needed to play Gunther Cunningham’s style of defense. Cody’s size, and strength make him an asset to the team, and should be able to step right into the starting lineup. The lack of speed, endurance and conditioning is a concern, but I think Schwartz, who coached Haynesworth into a pro-bowl caliber player, will fix a lot of the issues with Cody.

3rd round, 2nd Pick: Vladimir Ducasse, OG, Massachusetts: By now, Mike Iupati should be off the draft boards, so we are left to take the next best option, which isn’t really all that bad. Statiscally, Ducasse is only an inch shorter, and somewhat slower (5.32 40 Time compared to 5.25) than Iupati. In 2009, UMass’s offensive line allowed only six sacks, which was good for second in the NCAA. Started at left tackle at UMass, but definitely has the size to move to guard. He might also provide a good safety option in case Gosder Cherilus keeps up his poor play. My major concern with him is the fact that he didn’t play in a major conference, which means he didn’t go up against elite talent. I think that the draft combine will tell us more information about how athletic and strong he really is, and that would help decide whether or not he is legit.

3rd Round, 23rd Pick (from Gaints): Jerry Hughes, Defensive End, Texas Christian: I have only watched one TCU game, and I have to say that this guy looks like the real deal. What I don’t like about most of the ends in this year’s draft is that most of them are sort of unproved in terms of production, but have great athletic skills. Well, Hughes is both athletic and has proven himself this season with 15 sacks.  Although, I am not sure whether or not Hughes will be available at this pick, but seeing how there is a lot of depth at the defensive end position is the 2010 draft, I could see him being available in the late third round.

4th Round 2nd Pick: Walter McFadden, CB, Auburn: I think he might be one of my favorite players in the draft. He has decent size for a corner at 6-0, 175 lbs, good speed at 4.40, and he played in the SEC, which means he has gone up against some great offenses. Currently, he is not ranked highly in draft boards, but I think this will change as we get closer to the draft and schools have had their pro-days. Overall, I think he is one of the best all around corners in the draft and would be a steal in the early 4th round.

5th Round Pick: Kyle McCarthy, FS, Notre Dame: McCarthy might not have the physical tools as many other prospects, but he is one of the most instinctive players in this year’s draft. Anyone who has watched a Notre Dame game in the last few years have heard his name called on more than a few occasions, cause he has a pure knack for being around the ball.

6th Round Pick: Kelton Tindal, WR, Newberry: A complete project pick, but has the tools to be a great second wideout considering he is 6-3 with sub 4.30 speed. Of course, he hasn’t played much of any competition at Newberry Collge (Division II South Atlantic Conference), but he is definitely worth taking a shot at in the 6th round.

7th Round Pick: Brandon Minor, RB, Michigan: We got our speed back last year in Aaron Brown, and with this pick we would get our power back. I don’t think I need to explain how good or what Minor can do; I think everyone in the state of Michigan knows he is a good player.